Marina
The first injury report for Week 5 of Big 12 play—K-State vs. UCF—was released on Wednesday, Sept. 24. The matchup is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m. at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan.
While several players are unavailable, much of the focus this week is on running back Dylan Edwards, whose status had been uncertain after an earlier injury. He appears closer to full involvement for this game.
Injury & Availability Report Overview
Below is a side-by-side look at the injury/availability reports submitted to the Big 12 for Kansas State and UCF ahead of their Saturday showdown:
| Team | Out | Doubtful / Questionable / Probable |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas State | Colby McCalister (S), Jerand Bradley (WR), Ralph Ortiz (LB), Cub Patton (K/P), Dominic Mitchell (S), Darien Whitaker Jr. (LB), Maguire Richman (LB), George Fitzpatrick (OL), Michael Capria (OL), Joe Vickers (OL), Leyton Simmering (K) | Doubtful: Holden Bass (DT) Probable: Patrick Tackle (DT) |
| UCF | Isaiah Reed (DB), Jayden Williams (DB), Josh Dorsainil (EDGE) | Questionable: Dylan Wade (TE), DJ Bell (DB), Isaiah Nixon (EDGE); also Connor Meadows (OL) listed as questionable |
Key Player Notes & Updates
Kansas State
- Dylan Edwards (RB):
Edwards had returned in Week 3 vs. Arizona but exited early after just four carries in the first quarter. In a radio show broadcast, head coach Chris Klieman stated that Edwards is now “ready to roll,” suggesting he is likely to play a meaningful role in the offense versus UCF. (From local reporting) - Out players:
Several depth players—particularly at linebacker, safety, and offensive line—are ruled out entirely, which may force Kansas State to adjust rotations and special teams.- Jerand Bradley (WR) and Maguire Richman (LB) are among the more notable names absent.
- George Fitzpatrick, Michael Capria, Joe Vickers are all down on the OL side, further thinning the depth on the line.
- The kicking game also takes a hit with Cub Patton (K/P) and Leyton Simmering (K) unavailable.
- Doubtful/Probable:
- Holden Bass (DT) is doubtful, so his availability is uncertain.
- Patrick Tackle (DT) is listed as probable, meaning he is more likely to play.
UCF
- Injury concerns:
- Tight end Dylan Wade reportedly separated his shoulder in UCF’s prior win over North Carolina and enters this game listed as questionable.
- Edge rusher Isaiah Nixon left that same game with an ankle injury and is now questionable for the matchup.
- Defensive backs DJ Bell and Isaiah Reed are among those unable to play or questionable, which may stress UCF’s secondary depth.
- Out players:
- Isaiah Reed and Jayden Williams—both DBs—are ruled out.
- Josh Dorsainil (EDGE) is also unavailable, weakening the pass rush arsenal.
What This Means for the Game
- Kansas State’s Depth Gets Tested: Losing multiple OL and defensive front players may force K-State to rely on younger or less-tested backups. Adjustments in pass protection, blitz pickup, and run blocking are possible.
- Edwards’ Return Could Be Pivotal: If Dylan Edwards indeed plays at or near full strength, his presence adds flexibility to K-State’s offense and offsets some of the pressure on receivers and the OL.
- UCF Needs to Protect Injured Units: With question marks in both the edge and secondary, UCF may need to moderate aggressive pass rush schemes or offer additional coverage help.
- Special Teams Impact: With both teams losing kicking specialists (especially K-State), the kicking game and field-position strategies will be more fragile than usual.
This Week 5 injury report reveals a challenging landscape for both teams. Kansas State will need to navigate significant losses on the defensive front, offensive line, and special teams, while hoping that Dylan Edwards delivers a meaningful comeback.
UCF, meanwhile, will lean on depth in their edge and secondary units, with Dylan Wade and Isaiah Nixon as potential swing players if they can suit up.
The health of key contributors on both sides could very well tip the balance of this Big 12 showdown in Manhattan.