Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson has been under a microscope since his freshman season, after he showed signs of a potential superstar in Manhattan, KS.
But even with the eyes on him for years, 2026 may be his biggest season yet. With this being his final collegiate season, it’s Johnson’s last chance to prove himself to onlookers and potential NFL Draft scouts.
And he has another major supporter in his senior season progression. ESPN and CBS Sports have been among the believers in Johnson’s potential rise, but a new media outlet has chimed in. Bleacher Report wrote a story about the biggest risers in college football next season, pinning the Wildcats quarterback as the first name to look out for.
"Back in 2023, Avery Johnson exploded onto the national radar with a five-touchdown showing out of nowhere," the article wrote. "He helped Kansas State win a bowl to close the season, then totaled 3,317 yards and 32 scores with a 9-4 record in 2024. It seemed the mobile QB's star would only continue ascending. Unfortunately for Johnson and the Wildcats, the 2025 season was a major struggle. They tumbled to a 6-6 mark and declined a bowl invitation, followed by the retirement of Chris Klieman."
Last season, Johnson threw for 2,385 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while rushing for 477 yards and eight touchdowns. The Wildcats’ Big 12 title ambitions depended on Johnson's elevation as a signal caller, but unfortunately failed to do so.
"K-State brought back program legend Collin Klein to oversee the team," the article wrote. "He's reinjected life into Johnson's upside. Klein, a third-place Heisman Trophy finisher in 2012 who recently served as Texas A&M's offensive coordinator, knows a bit about both being and coaching a dual-threat standout. Perhaps the 'Cats won't surge to Big 12 title contention, but Johnson has a great opportunity to rebuild his reputation in the league."
This year, though, he'll have the man who gave him such hype as a freshman. Wildcats coach and program legend Collin Klein was Johnson's offensive coordinator in his first season, a year where he blazed on the scene and had the potential to be one of the conference's best. Klein will leverage his strengths as a dual-threat signal-caller and incorporate more offensive skill players into the game plan.
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