Kansas State’s new-look receiving corps is already generating buzz — and according to quarterback Avery Johnson, one transfer might be a game-changer.
Speaking Tuesday at Big 12 Media Days, Johnson spotlighted Purdue transfer Jaron Tibbs as a major addition heading into the 2025 season.
“He is going to be a dude for us this year. He's just a big, physical receiver who is well put together. He's smart, a good route-runner, strong hands, good at catching in traffic. He does things you can't teach,” Johnson said.
Kansas State QB Avery Johnson on transfer WR Jaron Tibbs:
— Kellis Robinett (@KellisRobinett) July 8, 2025
"He is going to be a dude for us this year. He's just a big, physical receiver who is well put together. He's smart, a good route-runner, strong hands, good at catching in traffic. He does things you can't teach."
Tibbs, a 6-foot-3 sophomore, joins a revamped wide receiver group in Manhattan after posting 25 catches for 302 yards and two touchdowns last season with the Boilermakers. He closed the year strong with a 73-yard game against Michigan State, showing flashes of his big-play ability.
Kansas State lost top targets Keagan Johnson, Tre Spivey III, and Dante Cephus but quickly reloaded through the transfer portal. Alongside Tibbs, the Wildcats added Jerand Bradley (Texas Tech) and Caleb Medford (TCU), giving the group new size and speed.
Returning standout Jayce Brown, who led the team in receiving in 2024, anchors the unit and figures to benefit from new offensive coordinator Matt Wells’ pass-friendly scheme.
A loaded tight end room — featuring Garrett Oakley, Will Swanson, Brayden Loftin, and touted freshman Linkon Cure — adds even more depth.
The offensive line also got a boost with the additions of transfers J.B. Nelson (Penn State) and Terrence Enos (Minnesota), both expected to compete immediately for starting roles.
Johnson returns after a breakout campaign and is now the unquestioned leader of an offense built around explosive weapons like Brown, Dylan Edwards, and Joe Jackson.
Defensively, linebacker Austin Romaine and safety V.J. Payne return to lead a unit that will look to reload after key departures.
The Wildcats are gaining national attention heading into the fall. They’re ranked No. 12 in USA Today’s preseason Top 25, No. 16 in Joel Klatt’s post-spring rankings, and No. 21 in ESPN’s Football Power Index — the highest among Big 12 programs.
Coming off a 9–4 season and a thrilling 44–41 bowl win over Rutgers, Kansas State enters 2025 as a legitimate Big 12 title contender — and Tibbs might just be one of the pieces that pushes them over the top.