Avery Johnson emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12 last season, his first full year as Kansas State’s starter. The former four-star recruit showcased his playmaking ability as both a passer and a runner, giving the Wildcats a dynamic offensive weapon.
However, ahead of Kansas State’s Week Zero opener against Iowa State in Ireland, one anonymous Big 12 coach raised a key concern about Johnson.
Anonymous Big 12 Coach Highlights Concern About QB Avery Johnson
Johnson shined in his true sophomore season at Kansas State, throwing for 2,712 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while also rushing for 605 yards and seven scores.
#Big12FB Microsoft @surface Moment of the Week
Avery Johnson’s 50-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown with 2:14 left to play lifted @KStateFB over Colorado, 31-28, to complete the Wildcats come-from-behind victory. pic.twitter.com/WskzxGOF6b
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) October 16, 2024
His talent is undeniable, but as he enters his junior year in 2025, one Big 12 head coach told On3’s Pete Nakos that Johnson’s consistency as a passer remains a major concern.
“Where you want him to have to try to beat you — it’s Year 3, he’s progressed tremendously — but can he sit back there and throw the ball and beat you throwing the football? Has he grown that much?” they told Nakos.
Johnson’s running ability makes him a difficult player for defensive coordinators to scheme against. If they drop back deep in coverage, he can beat them with his legs. However, as the Big 12 coach pointed out, he has yet to consistently prove he can beat defenses purely with his arm.
Johnson completed just 58.3% of his passes last season, a relatively low mark in college football. He struggled in several Big 12 matchups, including Kansas State’s game against BYU, where he went 15-of-28 for 130 yards and two interceptions.
Ironically, he also fell short in the season finale against Iowa State, completing 42.9% of his passes in the loss.
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The good news for Kansas State is that Johnson has had a full offseason with the same coaching staff to refine his passing game. He has shown flashes before, but if he can develop into a consistent threat from the pocket to pair with his rushing ability, he could become one of the most dynamic players in the country.
Johnson enters 2025 with plenty to prove, and while some still doubt his ability to win strictly as a passer, the upside is undeniable. If he puts it all together, both his personal ceiling and the Wildcats’ chances of competing at the highest level rise significantly.
He will get his first opportunity to show how much he has grown in the Wildcats’ Week Zero opener against Iowa State tomorrow, August 23, at 12:00 p.m. ET in Dublin, Ireland, on ESPN.
