As Kansas State gears up for a bounce-back 2026 season, the most prominent name being circled is quarterback Avery Johnson.
Which is understandable. For the past two years, he's been expected to break out as one of the nation's best, but come up short. It's been a decent tenure for him, but no major accolades or conference championships to show.
Thankfully, though, he's been overwhelmingly projected to have a breakout year in his final collegiate season. And for good reason beyond just momentum or program consistency. Collin Klein's return to Kansas State comforts many fans and excites many outsiders, projecting the program's return to relevance after an extremely underwhelming 2025 display. CBS Sports is among those anticipating a completely different Johnson in Year 4, pinning that as their biggest overreaction for the Wildcats after spring ball.
"Avery Johnson is back," the article wrote. "It was a disappointing junior season for Johnson as he dropped to 7.0 yards per pass attempt, but things are trending up. Collin Klein is back after two years leading the offense at Texas A&M, and the former Heisman finalist is the perfect head coach to maximize Johnson. Last year, he helped coach Marcel Reed to an efficient 3,000 yards and nearly 500 yards rushing. Expect even bigger numbers from the uber-talented Johnson."
Well, Kansas State fans definitely aren't banking on this as an overreaction. It is very much the vision they have for Johnson in his final prove-it year. Over the last two seasons, he combined for 5,097 passing yards, 43 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, while rushing for 1,082 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Last season, Johnson took a step back in nearly every statistical category. Even for his low interception numbers, they were more detrimental, often game-losing mistakes. Luckily, having the man who fueled his electric freshman season will help him get back to stunning onlookers across the country.
"We’re able to build off of a large part of the foundation that was here before," Klein said in his first spring ball press conference. "I think it gives us a chance for a good head start. I’m really excited about our ability to package things for him, get on the same page, and think the same way. Then allow him to cut it loose, play fast, and use that competitive nature."
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