As Kansas State gears up for a bounce-back season, all eyes will be on senior quarterback Avery Johnson and coach Collin Klein.
Klein has been very adamant in his belief in Johnson, but his latest laud toward the long-time signal-caller puts the icing on the cake. He is happy to get back in the lab with Johnson, just as they were together in 2023.
"I’m just excited because I think we’re gonna pick up where we left off pretty quickly," Klein said in an interview with the KCSN Chiefs Newsletter. "I think that’s even already happened. I’ve obviously watched tape, but we haven’t gone too far in the weeds the last two years. There are challenges with having so many different play-callers in that time period. I’ve been really proud of him in how he’s competed and led."
Johnson played a bit hesitantly in 2025, a disappointing display in what was supposed to be a breakout season. He failed to elevate his passing game, relying much more on short-yardage situations than on pushing the ball downfield. Johnson also didn't get out in the run game as much, an essential part of his dual-threat play style. His interceptions, while few, were often ill-timed and showed overthinking in critical situations.
Klein wants to leave these shortcomings behind as Johnson returns for his final year.
"We’re gonna be in attack mode right from the beginning," Klein said. "I don’t want him to overthink or hesitate. Whether it’s in the pass or run game, we’re gonna be in attack mode right from the jump. I want him to play fast. We’re gonna build a package around him and structure it in a way where he can be very confident in what he’s being asked to do. I just want him to cut it loose and play fast and play confident."
Johnson shares Klein's hunger for championship aspirations, as evidenced by his social media statement upon return last month.
"There is unfinished business here, and I'm not done yet," Johnson said on Instagram. "This place, this program, and this fanbase mean everything to me. The relationships I've built, the culture we've created, and the goals we still have ahead of us are too important to walk away from. I believe in this team. I believe in our coaches. And I believe the best is still ahead."
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