Marina
Heading into the 2025 season opener in Dublin, Kansas State football faces a wave of injuries reshaping its roster outlook.
With key players sidelined or questionable, head coach Chris Klieman must navigate a banged-up defense and limited depth across multiple positions.
Here’s the latest, real-time injury roundup to keep you informed — and if you’re a die-hard Wildcats fan, it’s a must-read.
Key Injuries & Player Status
Here’s a clear look at who’s affected heading into the crossover matchup with Iowa State:
| Status | Players |
|---|---|
| Out | Linkon Cure (TE), Andrew Metzger (TE), George Fitzpatrick (OL), Michael Capria (OL), Colby McCalister (S), Ryan Davis (DE), Jayshawn Ross (DE), Brad Stanyer (DE), Darien Whitaker Jr. (LB), Asher Tomaszewski (DT), Larry Porter IV (WR), Cub Patton (P/K) |
| Doubtful | Asa Newsom (LB), Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder (DL) |
| Probable | Gunner Maldonado (S) |
What This Means for Kansas State
Offensive Lines & Tight Ends
- The Wildcats are without two starting tight ends and two offensive linemen, significantly impacting pass protection and blocking schemes.
- Standout freshman tight end Linkon Cure—a five-star recruit—remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Defensive Front & Linebackers
- Missing several defensive linemen (Ryan Davis, Jayshawn Ross, Brad Stanyer, Asher Tomaszewski) means less pressure on opposing QBs and run containment.
- At LB, Darien Whitaker Jr. is out, with Asa Newsom doubtful and Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder’s decision coming game-day.
Secondary & Special Teams
- With Colby McCalister out and Gunner Maldonado probable, depth in the secondary is thin — a concern against deep-passing offenses.
- Special teams take a hit, too, without Cub Patton (P/K), raising questions about consistency in field goals and punts.
Tactical Implications & Strategy
- 3–3–5 defense could shift to compensate for DL injuries, relying on linebackers and blitz packages to generate pressure.
- Offensively, expect heavy involvement from remaining o-line depth and likely a tilt toward quicker release passes or rollouts.
- The special teams game may feature trick personnel or added coaching support to fill the kicker void.
Injury Timeline
| Player | Position | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linkon Cure | TE | Out | Knee injury, missed opener |
| Ryan Davis | DE | Out | Part of crowded DL injury list |
| Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder | DL | Doubtful | Game-time decision expected |
| Gunner Maldonado | Safety | Probable | Expected to provide secondary depth |
Kansas State’s injury list ahead of the 2025 opener is extensive and impactful, especially in key areas such as the offensive and defensive trenches.
With a slew of players ruled out and others tenuously in the lineup, the Wildcats’ depth and adaptability will be put to the test.
Fans should keep a close eye on matchups, as K-State leans heavily on emerging depth and tactical adjustments to weather the early-season storm.