Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson has been named the most important player in the Big 12 and the No. 33 most important player in college football for the 2025 season, according to ESPN’s Bill Connelly, as reported by SI.com on August 7, 2025. The junior from Maize, Kansas, earned the highest ranking among Big 12 players on ESPN’s Top 40 list, surpassing Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt (No. 34) and Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson (No. 35). Connelly highlighted Johnson’s potential, noting, “If he phases out some of the errors and maximizes the big plays, K-State’s ceiling is higher than 10 wins,” reflecting high expectations for the dual-threat quarterback as the Wildcats aim for a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff berth.[](https://www.si.com/college/kstate/kansas-state-s-avery-johnson-checks-in-high-on-espn-rankings-01k20t4r4cbj)[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-avery-johnson-admits-pressure-forced-character-change-after-landing-high-on-espn-rankings/)
Johnson’s 2024 sophomore season was a mix of brilliance and inconsistency, with 2,712 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, alongside 626 rushing yards and seven scores, earning him a 69.7 QBR (42nd nationally). His standout performance came against Arizona, where he rushed for 126 yards and threw for 156 yards with two touchdowns in a 31-7 rout, showcasing his elite speed (10.4-second 100-meter) and playmaking ability. However, a rough outing at BYU—15 completions on 283 attempts with two interceptions—underscored areas for growth, which Johnson acknowledged on Brian Howell’s podcast, admitting he “panicked” under pressure but aims to play to his strengths in 2025.[](https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/41253082/k-state-avery-johnson-puts-show-runs-arizona-rout)[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-avery-johnson-admits-pressure-forced-character-change-after-landing-high-on-espn-rankings/)[](https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/stats/_/id/4870857/avery-johnson)
The Wildcats, ranked No. 18 in ESPN’s post-spring way-too-early Top 25, are favored to win the Big 12, bolstered by Johnson’s supporting cast, including running back Dylan Edwards and transfer receivers Caleb Medford and Antonio Martin Jr. Coach Chris Klieman, who has led K-State to four straight eight-to-10-win seasons, sees Johnson as the key to unlocking a higher ceiling, with new offensive coordinator Matt Wells praising his physical gains (now 200 pounds) and increased confidence. Johnson’s decision to stay at K-State, despite NIL offers from major programs, reflects his commitment to elevating his hometown program, as noted by USA TODAY’s Matt Hayes.[](https://www.si.com/college/kstate/espn-puts-all-eyes-on-kansas-state-qb-avery-johnson-entering-season-01k09wksbtk7)[](https://www.si.com/college/kstate/espn-analyst-thinks-k-state-s-avery-johnson-ready-to-take-next-step-01jttjm5hm13)[](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/big12/2025/07/09/kansas-state-avery-johnson-college-football-playoff/84514179007/)
With the season opener against North Dakota on August 30, 2025, Johnson’s growth as a passer and decision-maker will be critical, especially with tough road games against Iowa State and Colorado looming. His No. 11 rating (89 overall) in EA Sports College Football 26, a four-point bump from last year, underscores his rising profile. As Klieman told SI.com, Johnson’s ability to “get 1% better each week” could propel Kansas State to their first CFP appearance, with Johnson’s dual-threat dynamism and refined leadership setting the stage for a potentially historic season.[](https://www.si.com/college/kstate/k-state-s-avery-johnson-in-good-company-with-ea-sports-college-football-26-rating-01jz3en2z90e)[](https://www.si.com/college/kstate/espn-analyst-thinks-k-state-s-avery-johnson-ready-to-take-next-step-01jttjm5hm13)
