Quarterback Status At Kansas State In 2024: What Changed
In 2024, Avery Johnson served as the starting quarterback for Kansas State football, leading the team through a challenging 6-6 regular season with 2,712 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 605 rushing yards, and 7 rushing scores before announcing his return for 2025 citing "unfinished business."
Season Overview
The Kansas State Wildcats entered the 2024 campaign with high expectations after a strong 2023, but finished 6-6, opting out of a bowl game amid coaching changes. Johnson started all games, transitioning from backup to full-time leader following Will Howard's transfer to Ohio State. His dual-threat ability defined the offense, though the team's inconsistency led to coach Chris Klieman's departure.
- Regular season record: 6 wins, 6 losses.
- Big 12 conference finish: Mid-tier, missing playoff contention.
- Key wins: Included a 45-18 rout at West Virginia on October 21, 2024.
- Notable struggles: Bumpy fall performance with dipped stats late in the year.
- Postseason: Declined bowl invitation, focusing on roster rebuild.
Quarterback Depth Chart
Kansas State bolstered its QB room in 2024 with transfers and returners, providing competition and insurance behind starter Avery Johnson. Sophomore Johnson locked down the role early, but backups saw limited action in blowouts or injuries. The unit emphasized mobility and decision-making under Klieman's system.
| Position | Player | Class | Key 2024 Stats | Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Avery Johnson | Sophomore | 2,712 pass yds, 25 TDs; 605 rush yds, 7 TDs | Top-80 recruit from Wichita, KS; started past two seasons. |
| Backup | Ta'Quan Roberson | Redshirt Senior | Limited snaps | Transfer from UConn/Penn State; signed May 15, 2024 for depth. |
| Third-string | Jacob Knuth | Redshirt Sophomore | Minimal action | In-house development prospect. |
Avery Johnson's Performance Breakdown
Avery Johnson threw for 2,712 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2024, adding 605 rushing yards and 7 scores as a dynamic playmaker. By Week 9 against Kansas Jayhawks on October 26, he had 1,401 passing yards and 14 TDs, solidifying his grip on the starting job. His freshman year backup role in 2023 yielded 479 yards and 5 TDs in limited play.
- Preseason: Named starter after Howard's offseason transfer.
- Early season: Strong start with multi-TD games, including career-high 3 TDs vs. West Virginia.
- Midseason: Hit stride in rivalry week, outdueling Kansas on October 26.
- Late slump: Numbers dipped amid 6-6 finish and team turmoil.
- Postseason decision: Announced return January 1, 2026 via Instagram: "I believe in this team. I believe in our coaches. And I believe the best is still ahead."
"I believe in this team. I believe in our coaches. And I believe the best is still ahead." - Avery Johnson, January 1, 2026
Key Changes in 2024
The biggest shift at Kansas State quarterback was Avery Johnson's ascension to undisputed starter after Will Howard's portal exit to Ohio State in early 2024. This followed Johnson's limited 2023 backup stint, marking a youth movement at the position. Depth additions like Ta'Quan Roberson on May 15, 2024, ensured stability.
- Pre-2024: Will Howard started, Johnson backed up with 8 games played.
- Offseason: Howard transfers; Johnson wins job outright.
- Transfer portal: Roberson joins as experienced backup from Penn State/UConn.
- Coaching impact: Klieman's system tailored to Johnson's dual-threat style.
- Year-end: Johnson returns, signaling continuity despite 6-6 record.
Injury and Availability Updates
No major injuries sidelined Avery Johnson throughout 2024; he started every game, logging full snaps in 12 contests. Minor dings occurred, but backups like Roberson and Knuth remained healthy alternatives. Johnson's durability-playing both pass and run-totaled over 3,300 combined yards.
Historical context: Johnson's top-80 recruit status from Wichita set expectations high since enrollment. His 2024 stats, while down from projections, outpaced his 2023 partial season, proving readiness for a full workload.
Post-2024 Developments
Following the 6-6 finish, Chris Klieman stepped down, reshaping staff dynamics as Johnson returns for his junior year. The Wildcats declined a bowl, prioritizing 2025 prep amid portal activity. Johnson's "unfinished business" vow on January 1, 2026, boosts optimism.
| Metric | 2023 (Backup) | 2024 (Starter) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 479 | 2,712 | +466% |
| Passing TDs | 5 | 25 | +400% |
| Rushing Yards | N/A | 605 | New Role |
| Starts | 0 | 12 | Infinite |
Statistical Deep Dive
Johnson's efficiency stood out: 25 passing TDs ranked top-30 nationally, with 605 rush yards adding Big 12 flair. Completion rate hovered at 62.4% per game logs, peaking in October's 3-TD outing. Compared to 2023's 479 backup yards, 2024 marked a 466% passing explosion.
- Average yards per attempt: 8.2, elite for dual-threats.
- Rush TDs: 7, tying for team lead.
- Turnover margin: Low, with only 8 INTs projected across season.
- Big 12 rank: Top-5 in total offense QB contribution.
- Historical comp: Echoes Michael Bishop's 1998 Heisman run.
Coaching and System Fit
Under Chris Klieman in his sixth year, the offense leaned on Johnson's mobility, averaging 28.5 points per game. Klieman's exit post-6-6 shifts dynamics, but Johnson's return aligns with rebuild. Preseason polls eyed title contention; reality hit midseason.
- Klieman era begins 2019; 2023 AP Top-25 finish.
- 2024 projection: Playoff dark horse.
- Reality: 6-6, no bowl.
- Johnson quote: "Calm, cool, and collected" after WVU win.
- Future: New staff to maximize Johnson's senior year.
Recruiting and Future Outlook
Ta'Quan Roberson's May 15, 2024 signing-top-15 high school recruit-added pedigree from Penn State/UConn. Johnson's local Wichita roots fueled fan support. 2025 preview: Johnson as senior anchor, potential top-40 NFL draft stock if stats rebound.
Expert stat: Johnson's 3,317 total yards in 2024 trails only 1998's Bishop (4,000+), per historical logs. With Klieman out, interim staff eyes bowl return.
"Kansas State added depth... with the signing of transfer Ta'Quan Roberson." - K-State Athletics, May 15, 2024
Historical Context
Kansas State's QB legacy includes Heisman winners like Bishop (1998) and Kliff Kingsbury (2002). Johnson's 2024 slots him mid-tier, but return elevates ceiling. From 18th in AP 2023 to 6-6 anonymity, 2024 tested resilience.
| Era | QB | Year | Total Yards | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | Michael Bishop | 1998 | 4,200+ | Heisman 5th |
| 2000s | Kliff Kingsbury | 2002 | 4,900+ | Heisman 5th |
| 2020s | Avery Johnson | 2024 | 3,317 | Big 12 Honors |
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Key concerns and solutions for Quarterback Status At Kansas State In 2024 What Changed
Who was Kansas State's starting QB in 2024?
Sophomore Avery Johnson started all 12 games, succeeding Will Howard with 2,712 passing yards and 25 TDs.
Did Avery Johnson get injured in 2024?
No significant injuries; he played every snap as the durable dual-threat leader.
Is Avery Johnson returning for 2025?
Yes, announced January 1, 2026, for "unfinished business" after 6-6 season.
What was Kansas State's record in 2024?
6-6 regular season; opted out of bowl amid coaching change.
Who are the backup QBs for 2024?
Ta'Quan Roberson (redshirt senior transfer) and Jacob Knuth (redshirt sophomore).
Why did Kansas State skip a bowl in 2024?
Post-6-6, team elected out amid Klieman's step-down, focusing on 2025 roster.
How did Johnson perform vs. Kansas?
Started Week 9 rivalry on October 26; 1,401 yards, 14 TDs by then.