Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson isn’t spending much time thinking about a possible fifth college season, even with a new NCAA rule now making that option available.
For Johnson, the conversation is simple: the season in front of him matters more than anything that might come after it. He said earlier this month at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, "I think if I needed another year to play college football, it's something I'd look into," Johnson said earlier this month at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas.
"It's not something I've talked to my family about or even something I've thought of this year. I'm kinda more focused on the season.
It's time to see how this season goes; I'm looking forward to the season, and that's something that I think we'll all just deal with after."
The NCAA changed its rules in June, opening the door for athletes to play up to five years. Johnson is heading into his senior season and his third year as the Wildcats’ full-time starter, which is why the idea of another run in Manhattan is at least technically on the table.
Last season, he guided Kansas State to a 6-6 record, though the team turned down a bowl bid. Johnson finished with 2,385 passing yards and 18 touchdown passes, and he added 477 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground.
A former four-star recruit, Johnson is still viewed as a player whose next big step could come this fall, with the better path likely being a jump to the NFL rather than another college season.
Kansas State also has a new coach in Casey Alexander, who is set to begin his first season in Manhattan. On Monday, the program’s non-conference schedule was released.
The Wildcats open the slate Nov. 3 against South Dakota State. The rest of the schedule includes Cal State Northridge on Nov.
6, Creighton on Nov. 10, Montana on Nov.
16, Campbell on Nov. 20, Gonzaga on Nov. 24, and a stretch at the end of November that features a game vs.
Alabama/Baylor on Nov. 26, vs. TBD on Nov. 27, and the championship game on Nov.
Kansas State will also play at Seton Hall on Dec. 4, host IU-Indy on Dec. 8, face Wichita State on Dec. 11, take on Little Rock on Dec. 18, meet Lindenwood on Dec. 21, and close the non-conference portion with Omaha on Dec. 28.
In Other News...
Kansas State Just Sent A Big Early Message About This Season
Kansas States non-conference slate for the upcoming basketball season is out, and it immediately gives a clearer picture of the kind of challenge the Wildcats are choosing before league play begins. The schedule includes matchups with Missouri, Gonzaga, Seton Hall, Creighton, and an Alabama-Baylor bracket event, a lineup that should test the group early and offer plenty of chances to measure where it stands after a season that ended without an NCAA Tournament berth.
The timing matters, too, because this is the first schedule release since the program changed direction on the sideline. Casey Alexander, who arrived after his run at Belmont, is now in place on a five-year contract, and the early calendar suggests the Wildcats are not easing into his tenure. For a team trying to get back into the tournament picture, the non-conference portion already feels like a statement about the standard Kansas State wants to set. [Read more 🡒]
Casey Alexander Just Sent K-State Fans An Encouraging Message About Tradition
Casey Alexander is only beginning his run as Kansas States head coach, but he is already making a point of leaning into the programs past while he installs his own system. That has meant reconnecting with former Wildcats, a group that still carries real weight in Manhattan and can help set the tone for what comes next.
Several K-State alumni have been around campus this month practicing with Purple Reign as the group gets ready for its best-of-three TBT series. Alexander has made it clear that building the future does not mean ignoring what came before, and the way he is involving former players suggests he understands how much tradition still matters to the fan base. [Read more 🡒]