Kansas State's buzz around quarterback Avery Johnson is reaching new heights, thanks to a bold declaration from the Wildcats' new quarterbacks coach, Christian Ellsworth. With confidence, Ellsworth stated, “I think he’s the best in the country.” That’s a statement sure to fire up the fans in Manhattan.
Ellsworth acknowledges there’s work ahead, adding, “There’s a lot of work to continue to prove that, but, you know, we got all the pieces aligned to be able to get that done.”
Johnson, now a senior, has experienced a rollercoaster of a career. His high school promise hinted at greatness, but three offensive coordinator changes in as many years have kept him from fully hitting his stride.
Despite the challenges, Johnson's performance under center has been impressive. He’s thrown for 5,576 yards, boasting a solid 48-16 touchdown-to-interception ratio. But Johnson isn’t just about the arm; he’s a dual-threat dynamo, racking up over 1,300 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground in his first three seasons.
The return of Collin Klein as Kansas State's head coach brings a sense of familiarity that Johnson hasn’t had in a while. Klein, who worked with Johnson during his freshman year, knows how to harness his potential. Even in limited action back then, Johnson showed flashes of brilliance.
After a shaky 6-6 season in 2025, Kansas State is eager to reclaim its reputation for consistency. With a new head coach at the helm, there’s always an element of risk. But with Ellsworth’s comments circulating, Wildcat fans are already counting down to fall, ready to see if Johnson can lead them to new heights.