247Sports Lists Big 12 Quarterback as ‘Best Player to Turn Down the Transfer Portal’

On Monday, 247Sports’ Brad Crawford released his picks for the biggest players in college football who refused to enter the transfer portal.

Appearing first on the list was Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson, who is set to enter his third season in Manhattan and is fresh off of a record-breaking season as the full-time starter.

“Avery Johnson could have jumped ship for QB1 laurels at another Power 4 program, but it didn’t happen,” Crawford said. “Instead, he brings his 32 total touchdowns and more than 3,317 yards of total offense back to the Wildcats in hopes of making a deep run in the Big 12. Johnson’s first year as Kansas State’s starting quarterback was marred by three losses over his final five starts, but expectations are high in 2025.”

In his first year as the starter, taking over for veteran passer Will Howard, Johnson led the Wildcats to a 9-4 record, capped off by a victory over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl. The sophomore signal caller broke K-State’s single-season passing touchdowns record with 25 total through the air. He also added 605 yards and seven scores on the ground game due to his explosive rushing ability.

Johnson was joined on the list by Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, Clemson’s Peter Woods, Arkansas’ Cam Ball, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Texas’ Dante Moore Jr., Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, and Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola.

Related: K-State OC Matt Wells on Avery Johnson’s NFL Future: ‘He’ll Play on Sunday’