Kansas State Wildcats QB Avery Johnson sets Big 12 title goal for 2026

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson has a new goal for the 2026 season: win a Big 12 championship. The senior signal-caller made that clear Wednesday at Big 12 Media Days. Johnson, a Wichita native, has thrown for 5,576 yards and 48 touchdowns in his career. He has rushed for 1,378 yards and 22 scores. The Wildcats open their season against the Nicholls Colonels on September 5, 2026.

What did Avery Johnson say about his goals?

“A Big 12 championship would be a good cherry on top for me,” Johnson said. He acknowledged that counting wins can be a slippery slope. Last year, K-State went 6-6 and declined a bowl after Chris Klieman retired. Johnson doesn’t want that mindset anymore. “I want to win a Big 12 championship,” he said.

How does new head coach Collin Klein fit in?

Klein, Johnson’s former offensive coordinator, is now the head coach. They reunited this offseason. Klein wants Johnson to play fast and free. “I want him to love competing and cut it loose every single snap,” Klein said. The two are on the same page about the championship goal.

What has Johnson accomplished so far?

Johnson has been starting since he was named MVP of the Pop-Tarts Bowl three years ago. He led the Wildcats to 8-4 records and bowl wins in his first two seasons. He’s within reach of several school records. But he hasn’t led K-State to a Big 12 title game yet. That’s the missing piece.

Why does the Big 12 title matter for his legacy?

Former K-State quarterbacks like Michael Bishop, Ell Roberson, Will Howard, and Klein all played in the Big 12 championship game. They appeared in major bowls. Johnson hasn’t reached that stage. A title would change that. “The quarterback gets way too much credit when you win, and he gets way too much blame when you lose,” Klein said.

What’s the plan for Johnson’s play style?

Johnson wants to play more aggressively. He wants to show off his dual-threat skills more consistently. Under previous coordinators, he didn’t always do that. Klein is building the offense around him. “We’ve got to build the car around him so that it’s ready to go as fast as he can go,” Klein said.

Johnson and the Wildcats open against Nicholls Colonels on September 5. The season starts then. The goal is clear.