Why K-State QB Avery Johnson was determined to stay with Wildcats for four years
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Avery Johnson says being remembered as a true K-Stater mattered most to him.
- Johnson has thrown for 5,576 career passing yards and 48 career touchdowns.
- Johnson said he wants to win a Big 12 title, push for the CFB Playoff at Kansas State.
There were many reasons for Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson to remain with the Wildcats for his senior year of college football, but one of them stood out above the rest.
More than anything else, he wanted to be remembered as a true K-Stater. And he could only achieve that by finishing his college career at the same place where it began.
“It was just super important to me,” Johnson said. “With how college football is nowadays, people are quick to leave. They could have personal reasons, maybe it’s money, maybe it’s playing time, whatever it might be. It’s a testament to my brothers in here, and really wanting to build something and be a part of something.
“I really wanted to be able to leave a legacy here and do things, just to show the type of person I am. It’s going to mean a lot to be able to get my degree from K-State in the fall, graduate from here and be a four-year guy here. With how the landscape of college football is nowadays, I think that says a lot.”
Johnson, a former four-star recruit out of Wichita, has already played in 33 games for the Wildcats. He has made 27 starts and thrown for 5,576 career passing yards to go along with 48 career touchdowns.
He is within reach of several school records for a quarterback.
In terms of longevity, he will be remembered fondly by EMAW Nation no matter what happens during the 2026 season. But he hopes to enhance his legacy in other ways.
“It’s cool to be able to etch my name into history and be a part of all that,” Johnson said. “But in three years I haven’t really won anything other than a few bowl games. So I’m still hungry, still trying to stay humbled through everything and go out and win a Big 12 championship this year and push for the College Football Playoff and a national championship. Personal accolades are great and everything, but I’m more focused on winning games.”
Johnson is confident that K-State has all the pieces necessary on its roster to make a playoff push.
He has enjoyed handing the ball off to running backs Joe Jackson and Jay Harris during spring practices. He also thinks the additions of Josh Manning, Brandon White and Izaiah Williams at wide receiver have given him the deepest group of talented weapons to target in the passing game since he first tried on a purple uniform.
Reuniting with new head coach Collin Klein, who originally recruited Johnson to campus when he was the team’s offensive coordinator, has also been a major plus.
Last season, Johnson was criticized for not using his legs enough while the team slumped to a 6-6 record.
Johnson is confident he will play more aggressively in his final year with the Wildcats.
“He is allowing me to play with my instincts and not be robotic out there,” Johnson said of Klein. “If I see green grass, take green grass and then call another play and dial some stuff up. He’s great at scheming things. He’s really just an offensive mastermind. Being able to learn from him has really helped me be able to grow my game this spring.”