Kansas State QB Avery Johnson likely out for season
Coach Collin Klein calls the injury situation unique as the Wildcats prepare to face Oklahoma State.
By Alina Marshall ·
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson may be finished for the 2026 season. Head coach Collin Klein stated on Monday that the fourth-year starter is unlikely to play against Oklahoma State on Saturday, marking his third consecutive missed game.
Johnson, a native of Wichita, Kansas, has started 32 games for the Wildcats over four seasons. Klein described the injury return timeline as likely to be long, noting there is only an outside chance that Johnson returns this year. The coach said his heart breaks for the player given the duration of the absence.
With Johnson unavailable, the Wildcats have relied on different starters for each of the past two games. Jacob Knuth started against Arizona State, losing 28-17 on Oct. 24. Blake Barnett took the field the following Saturday in an overtime loss to Colorado.
Klein acknowledged the unusual nature of the roster turnover, stating he has not seen a quarterback situation like this before. He credited the players in the room for battling through difficult weeks and supporting one another. The coach said the team is overcoming the challenges because of their resilience.
The Wildcats currently hold a 4-4 record. They will take on Oklahoma State at noon on Saturday.
