Big 12 Starting Quarterback Announces Return to Kansas State

Avery Johnson is closing his career where it started.

The Wichita native-turned-Kansas State quarterback announced he’ll be returning to Manhattan for his senior year in 2026, according to his personal Instagram.

“After a lot of prayer, conversations with my family, and talks with my coaches, I’ve made the decision to return to Kansas State for my final year,” Johnson said.

“There is unfinished business here and I’m not done yet. This place, this program, and this fan base mean everything to me. The relationships I’ve built, the culture we’ve created and the goals we still have ahead of us are too important to walk away from. I believe in this team. I believe in our coaches. And I believe the best is still ahead. I’m grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way. I’m excited to go back to work and finish what we started…. together.”

Collin Klein can check off one pretty important box now that Johnson is inked through the end of his college career.

Avery Johnson Career

Johnson’s thrown for 5,576 career yards as a Wildcat since getting his first start against N.C. State in the 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl. He’s been a 56% or better across three seasons, including a career-high 59.8% in 2025.

Johnson threw for 2,385 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions as a junior, and helped KSU win three of its last five games to become bowl eligible. Upon Chris Klieman’s resignation, the Wildcats opted not to play a bowl game and were fined $500,000 by the Big 12 as a result.

Like much of the country, KSU is not immune to the transfer portal and will be looking to replace key positions on both sides of the ball. Johnson’s leading target, Jayce Brown, and fellow Kansas native Dylan Edwards are both in the portal.

Quarterback-wise, the Wildcats are catching a tremendous break having Johnson back for his senior season. The only passer was by freshman tight end Linkon Cure, whose one attempt, a trick play, was intercepted by UCF in Week 4.

So now Klein, easily the most notable quarterback in school history, will be coming into his first-ever head coaching job with a proven starter in Johnson. It sounds pretty good, but there’s a lot of work to do if they’re going to reap the full benefits of this new development.