The Kansas State Wildcats blew a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter against the Utah Utes, falling 51-47 on the road on Saturday night. And while there is still one game left in the season for the Wildcats to become bowl eligible, some of the post-game conversation surrounded the offseason.
Quarterback Avery Johnson was questioned about what his postseason plans were going to be when he was asked, “Do you plan on yourself and most of the guys being back next season?”
Johnson did not give a definitive answer, saying, “The year hasn’t went how we wanted it to go. After the last game of the year, guys are probably going to have a player-led meeting and just kind of get things figured out for next year. But I mean, I can’t speak for anybody other than myself, but I’m just looking at it one week at a time right now.”
Now, this doesn’t mean he’s not returning in 2026. But it certainly was not nearly as clear-cut as some K-State fans would have hoped for. Then again, there may be a contingent of fans who are willing to roll the dice and let Avery walk. But for those wanting a return, the, “one week at a time” line, is not typically a good one.
Johnson went 12/23 for 102 passing yards, with one touchdown and one interception, while rushing for 72 yards. On the season, Johnson has thrown for over 2,100 yards with 17 touchdowns to five interceptions, while rushing for 369 yards and seven scores. Johnson is a home-state kid from Wichita and came to K-State as a four-star prospect over offers from Oregon, Washington and several others. The expectations were sky-high, and fair or not, many would argue he may not have met them thus far as he wraps up his second season as the starting quarterback.
Kansas State is 5-6 on the season and needs a win over Colorado in Week 14 to become bowl eligible for a fifth-straight season.
