Avery Johnson Considers 5th Year Under New NCAA Rules

Big 12 Media Day Comments

At the league’s media gathering in Frisco, Texas, on July 8, Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson acknowledged the NCAA’s new age‑based eligibility system. The recently adopted rules permit players up to five seasons of college football after they enroll in school or turn 19. Johnson said he has not yet discussed the possibility with his family, but he left the door open to another year if needed.

Johnson, entering his fourth season and serving as the Wildcats’ starter for a third year, remains focused on the upcoming campaign. He noted that his primary concern is performing well this season rather than pondering future options. “If I needed another year to play college football, it’s something I’d look into,” he said, emphasizing his current concentration on the field.

Coach Collin Klein’s Stance

Kansas State’s head coach, Collin Klein, confirmed that he has spoken with Johnson about the new eligibility model but stressed that he is not pushing for a return in 2027. Klein told the Topeka Capital‑Journal that the conversation was casual and that the emphasis is on having the best season possible. He added that the decision ultimately rests with the player and his family.

The Wildcats also feature three other quarterbacks ready to compete: Blake Barnett, Jacob Knuth, and Dillon Duff. In addition, the program has secured a three‑star commitment for the 2027 class in Cam Kruse, providing depth for the future.

Johnson’s Career Milestones

Statistically, Johnson is closing in on several K‑State passing records. He shares the school’s touchdown‑pass mark, sits fourth in completions, and ranks sixth in total passing yards. These achievements have heightened interest in his potential return, especially as he aims to boost his NFL prospects.

While early draft boards have not been kind to Johnson, staying another season as a starting quarterback in a Power Four conference could increase his professional value. He expressed a desire to eventually play in the NFL, noting that an extra college year might pay dividends financially. Johnson also shared his personal view on eligibility, suggesting athletes should be limited to four years with a single redshirt option.

His comments reflect a broader debate over how age‑based rules will reshape player development across college sports. The elimination of traditional redshirt and waiver extensions means that players can now plan their careers with a clearer timeline. This shift could influence recruitment strategies and how programs balance immediate contributions with long‑term athlete health.

What It Means for Kansas State and the Q.B. Room

Should Johnson decide to return for a fifth season, he would become a central pillar of the Wildcats’ offense and potentially alter the quarterback competition. His presence could push the other three signal‑callers to improve, fostering a healthier internal battle. Moreover, a seasoned Johnson would provide invaluable mentorship for the emerging Cam Kruse.

From a recruiting standpoint, the new NCAA framework may attract late‑blooming quarterbacks who prefer a longer college span. Programs that already have established starters might see less pressure to redshirt promising underclassmen, reshaping how teams construct their rosters over the next few years.

New Kansas State coach Collin Klein told the Capital-Journal that he has discussed the new eligibility model with his quarterback, though he wasn’t applying full-court pressure to get him back in purple in 2027 already.

The Wildcats enter the 2026 season with three other quarterbacks on the roster, including Blake Barnett, Jacob Knuth and Dillon Duff. They have a three-star 2027 quarterback committed in Cam Kruse.

“I talked to him about it before it even happened, and I said, ‘Listen, I think this is gonna be favorable, and it will give you at least some flexibility,'” Klein said. “I said, ‘Let’s put our head down and have the best season we possibly can and do what’s best for you at the end of it.’ That’s truly where my heart is behind it, and that’s what he needs to do.”

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Johnson spoke openly about his desire to play in the NFL, where early big boards and mocks haven’t been too kind to him amid what is considered a good quarterback class. There are scenarios in which Johnson would make more money by continuing as a Power 4 starting quarterback than as a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.

Johnson is also knocking on the door of several career passing records at Kansas State. He is tied for the school’s record in touchdown passes; he’s fourth in completions and sixth in passing yards.

Though Johnson said he has yet to discuss the potential of returning to college for a fifth season, he gave his thoughts on the rule, saying that he believes athletes should be limited to playing just four years.

“I think you should get one redshirt, medical or non-medical, and then you should just play four years,” Johnson said. “It’s just weird seeing people play professional, like a professional baseball player and then come back and play college football. It’s just, I don’t know. Maybe they set an age limit on the different sports.”

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Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State QB Avery Johnson talks possible 5th year after new NCAA rules