Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson is coming off a breakout season and a transformative offseason — and coach Chris Klieman says the junior is ready to carry the Wildcats’ offense to new heights in 2025.
Speaking at Big 12 Media Days in Arlington, Klieman said the rising star has bulked up and improved his overall game — key as the Wildcats look to make a run in 2025.
“I think the biggest thing is how he looks,” Klieman said of Johnson’s offseason gains.
#KStateFB head coach Chris Klieman praised Avery Johnson’s physical growth through his time at Kansas State.
— Tejay Cleland (@KWCHTejay) July 8, 2025
He said he’s gained 17 pounds of lean muscle. pic.twitter.com/6ErUCxmaHI
“He’s put on probably 17 pounds of lean muscle mass and he’s filled out. He’s not a sophomore anymore; he’s an upperclassman as a junior. So his body’s matured and he’s taken everything very seriously in the weight room, in the nutrition and in the recovery aspect so his body is just a lot better.”
Johnson’s 2024 campaign was a breakout. In his first year as a starter, he threw for 2,712 yards and set a school record with 25 touchdown passes. He also rushed for 605 yards and seven scores, helping K-State finish 9–4.
“He’s carrying a lot more weight and he’s faster. And that’s something that we strive and we stress is you can get bigger and stronger and also be faster. He’s done that," Klieman said.
He’ll kick off the 2025 season on Aug. 23 in Dublin, Ireland, against rival Iowa State in a highly anticipated “Farmageddon” matchup that’s gaining national attention.
ESPN recently named Johnson a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, and with good reason.
The Wildcats signal-caller was invited this offseason to the prestigious Manning Passing Academy, which draws elite quarterback talent nationwide.
He’s already climbing K-State’s record books — ranking sixth in passing efficiency (137.2), tied for ninth in touchdown passes (30), and just 186 rushing yards shy of cracking the school’s top 10 among rushing quarterbacks.
Johnson is also tied for 10th in career wins by a K-State QB since 1990, boasting a 71.4% winning percentage.
The Wildcats face changes in their receiving corps, losing key targets Keagan Johnson, Tre Spivey III, and Dante Cephus. But they’ve added transfers Jerand Bradley, Caleb Medford, and Jaron Tibbs.
Returning is Jayce Brown, K-State’s leading receiver in 2024, along with tight ends Garrett Oakley, Will Swanson, Brayden Loftin, and freshman Linkon Cure.
Expectations are high for the Wildcats, who enter the fall 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 teams.
The 2025 opener in Dublin promises fireworks — a rare international stage for a rivalry game with potential Big 12 title implications.