ESPN Calls Avery Johnson the ‘Most Important Player’ in the Big 12

ESPN’s Bill Connelly released his annual list of the 40 most important players in college football for the 2025 season, and Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson was the first Big 12 player mentioned.

Johnson landed at No. 33, just ahead of Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt at No. 34, Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson at No. 35, and TCU’s Josh Hoover at No. 36.

Connelly credited Kansas State’s recent consistency under head coach Chris Klieman, noting the Wildcats have posted three straight seasons with nine or 10 wins and claimed the Big 12 title in 2022. He pointed out that Kansas State has achieved those results without a five-star, “blue-chip” quarterback, but that having one now in Johnson presents a rare opportunity for an even higher ceiling.

Johnson, a former top-100 prospect from Maize, Kansas, took over as the Wildcats’ starter in 2024. His athleticism and ability to create explosive plays stood out, but mistakes also proved costly at times. Kansas State finished 9-4 last year, with Johnson delivering four games of at least 250 passing yards and 80 rushing yards. Turnovers in key moments, such as the loss to Iowa State, left room for growth.

Connelly wrote that if Johnson can reduce those errors while maintaining his big-play ability, Kansas State could push past the 10-win mark in 2025. That improvement would put the Wildcats in serious contention for another Big 12 title and potentially much more.

By placing Johnson ahead of other notable Big 12 quarterbacks, Connelly emphasized how central he is to Kansas State’s hopes this fall. The Wildcats return significant talent around him, giving Johnson a strong supporting cast for his junior season. If he takes the next step, Kansas State’s offense could become one of the most dangerous not just in the conference, but in the country.