Ron McGee’s college football journey has been anything but ordinary. When he first arrived at Kansas in the summer of 2021, he was expected to be a senior defensive tackle, but three years later, he’s still in Lawrence, poised for one final season as a defensive end.
Reflecting on his tumultuous path, McGee told the Journal-World at KU’s media day, “You never know how your journey’s going to start; it’s all about how you finish. So I’d say it’s been a blessing. Of course, through the injuries, through the transferring and stuff like that, of course that’ll take a toll. But honestly, I feel like it’s just been a huge blessing.”
McGee’s football odyssey began in Kansas at Highland Community College, followed by a stint at Buffalo, where he appeared in 23 games over two years. However, the subsequent four years have been marred by injuries and setbacks, with McGee playing in just 17 games.
The pandemic-affected 2020 season was particularly challenging for McGee. Injuries and the disruptions of that season led him to transfer to Kansas, joining a wave of players who followed head coach Lance Leipold from Buffalo. Despite a promising start, McGee redshirted in 2022 to extend his eligibility.
Fall camp in 2023 brought yet another setback: a season-ending ACL injury. “I’m not going to lie, that thing, it kind of took a mental toll on me,” McGee admitted. “I was having a great fall camp, everything was going well. You know, with this sport, injuries come with it. You just got to be prepared for whatever comes your way. You just have to persevere through it.”
In a stroke of good fortune, KU secured an injury waiver for McGee, allowing him to return as a seventh-year senior. Transitioning from defensive tackle to defensive end, McGee will be part of a strong-side rotation alongside fifth-year senior Jereme Robinson and sixth-year transfer Dylan Wudke. The opposite side of the line features a mix of young talent, including three freshmen.
“It’s like a huge melting pot,” McGee said. “You got the young guys, you got older cats like me and Jereme Robinson, guys like that. I feel like that’s what makes us our room, just different personalities and people just bringing different things to the table.”
Although still recovering from his ACL injury, McGee is now fully participating in practice. Head coach Lance Leipold, who had previously noted a setback early in camp, confirmed that McGee is healthy and ready to contribute.
McGee’s return comes as Kansas is projected to contend for the Big 12 title, a far cry from the last team he played for, which finished 2-10. Reflecting on the transformation of Kansas football, he said, “It’s definitely been a pleasure, seeing Kansas from what it was to what it is now.”
As McGee gears up for his final college season, he’s eager to step onto the field. “I can’t wait to be a part of it,” he said, looking forward to a new chapter in his remarkable journey.
