Kansas State football starting left tackle John Pastore out for season

Kansas State football's starting left tackle, John Pastore, will miss the entire season following a lower body injury. Coach Collin Klein announced the injury during a surprise press conference on Thursday, August 20. Pastore was the team's only returning starter on the offensive line last year and was a second-team All-Big 12 performer.

He had been a preseason All-Big 12 player before the injury. The 6-foot-6, 302-pound Pastore stepped up to left tackle full-time after Ohio State transfer George Fitzpatrick suffered a preseason medical emergency in 2025. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 302 pounds, Pastore was a formidable force, recording 16 pressures on 360 pass-blocking attempts, allowing just one sack and two offensive hits.

With the NCAA's new age-based eligibility rules eliminating medical hardship waivers, Pastore will not have a chance to return next year unless he contests the new rules in court. Auburn transfer Tyler Johnson, at 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds, may be the first option to consider for the left tackle position. Pro Football Focus advanced stats have shown mixed results for Johnson, particularly in 2024 when he started left tackle before being benched three games.

Freshman Oliver Miller, listed at 6-foot-6 and 294 pounds, could also sneak into a starting role right away, having received significant praise since the spring. Kansas State coach Klein did not expect Miller to start so early but the current situation may have presented that opportunity. Another option could be Gus Hawkins, the likely starter at right tackle, though he is more likely to remain in that position.