Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson continues to draw national attention—this time from the virtual gridiron.
The junior dual-threat has been rated the No. 11 quarterback in the country and No. 2 in the Big 12 in EA Sports’ upcoming College Football 26 video game, set to release July 10.
Johnson received an overall rating of 89, trailing only Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt (91) among Big 12 passers.
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Topping the QB rankings are Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, and Penn State’s Drew Allar, all tied at 92.
Other names in the top 10 include South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Oklahoma’s John Mateer, Miami’s Carson Beck, Navy’s Nick Horvath, Texas’ Arch Manning, and Florida’s DJ Lagway.
Fellow Big 12 quarterbacks such as Colorado’s Kaidon Salter, Iowa State’s Rocco Becht, and Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson also made the list, along with former BYU QB Jake Retzlaff, headed to the transfer portal.
Johnson is coming off a breakout 2024 season, leading K-State to a 9–4 record in his first year as a starter. He’ll open the 2025 season on Aug. 23 in Dublin, Ireland, against Iowa State. ESPN recently listed him as a top 2026 NFL Draft prospect.
In the record books, Johnson already ranks sixth in school history in passing efficiency (137.2), tied for ninth in touchdown passes (30), and just 186 rushing yards from joining K-State’s top 10 all-time among rushing quarterbacks.
He’s tied for 10th in career wins by a K-State QB since 1990 and owns a 71.4% winning percentage.
Despite losing key receivers Keagan Johnson, Tre Spivey III, and Dante Cephus, the Wildcats added transfers Jerand Bradley, Caleb Medford, and Jaron Tibbs.
Jayce Brown, the team’s leading receiver in 2024, returns, along with tight ends Garrett Oakley, Will Swanson, Brayden Loftin, and freshman Linkon Cure.
“He’s just got that aura about him,” head coach Chris Klieman said. “He’s not afraid to lead and hold guys accountable.”
K-State is gaining preseason momentum, ranked No. 12 by USA Today, No. 16 by FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt, and No. 21 in ESPN’s Football Power Index—the highest in the Big 12.
The Wildcats capped last season with a 44–41 bowl win over Rutgers and now set their sights on a Big 12 crown and a College Football Playoff berth.