In a stunning turn of events this December, the Kansas State Wildcats saw the unexpected departure of four crucial players, headlined by star quarterback Avery Johnson. The exodus of Johnson, a fan favorite and one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks in recent years, has left Wildcats supporters and analysts alike scrambling to assess what comes next for the offense.
Johnson’s departure sent shockwaves through the team, as his dual-threat capabilities had positioned him as the cornerstone of K-State’s offensive scheme. His mobility and arm strength had made him the key figure in head coach Chris Klieman’s plans for a high-octane attack. With Johnson no longer under center, many are left wondering how the Wildcats will adjust, and who will step up to fill the sizable shoes of their once-promising leader.
The loss of Johnson, alongside three other starters, has triggered a flurry of speculation on how K-State’s offense will evolve moving forward. While the Wildcats have a strong pipeline of recruits and experienced backups, the lack of immediate clarity on the quarterback position has raised some eyebrows. Will Klieman turn to an untested sophomore or lean on a more experienced, yet less mobile, backup?
Offensive coordinator Collin Klein now faces the task of crafting a new identity for the Wildcats. Will they shift to a more traditional pocket-passing offense, or double down on a run-first approach with dynamic playmakers at running back and wide receiver? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—K-State’s offensive future is suddenly up in the air.
As the Wildcats head into spring camp, fans are bracing for a season of change, hoping that the coaching staff can quickly adapt to the new landscape and restore stability to what was once considered one of the Big 12’s most potent offenses. With a new era looming, the Wildcats are ready to rewrite their story—whether it’s a page-turning sequel or a dramatic plot twist remains to be seen.
