Video footage of budding star quarterback Avery Johnson throwing to Wildcat wide receivers made the rounds on social media Tuesday, offering a glimpse of the potential the team has heading into next season.
Johnson, a potential Heisman Trophy candidate and the current face of the Kansas State Wildcats program, came up in social media conversations this week after Tennessee starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava entered the transfer portal following contract negotiations with his school.
Rumors from a Tennessee fan base desperate for a starting quarterback quickly linked Johnson to the Volunteers as a potential successor to Iamaleava.
The only problem? Johnson hasn’t entered the transfer portal and has shown no intention of doing so.
Instead, he’s been seen working closely with his teammates and new offensive coordinator Matt Wells as they work to establish an identity for next season.
Footage from an open practice showed Johnson putting in work on his throwing mechanics and developing rhythm with new receivers Jerand Bradley, Caleb Medford, and Jaron Tibbs.
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) April 15, 2025
Wells, the former offensive coordinator at Utah State and head coach at Texas Tech, intends to be creative with Johnson. He’s told the media that he wants the quarterback to be more consistent with his throws and to identify what he does best.
The video released by the team Tuesday showed that, despite an impressive first year as a starter, Johnson is determined to take his performance to the next level.
Last season, Johnson and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe were the only Power Four quarterbacks to surpass 2,500 passing yards and 525 rushing yards. Johnson also set a school record with 25 touchdowns.
And that should have K-State fans fired up for the 2025 season.
Johnson led the Wildcats to a 9-4 record and a thrilling 44-41 victory over Rutgers in their bowl game. They’ll open the 2025 season against Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland.
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