​FRISCO, TX — Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson said he has not yet discussed the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility rules with his family. The rule changes would allow him to pursue a fifth season of college football in 2027 if he chooses. Johnson, entering his fourth season at Kansas State and his third as the starter, could benefit from the new framework adopted in late June, which permits athletes to compete for up to five years after enrolling in college or turning 19. It also eliminates traditional redshirt rules and eligibility extension waivers.
“I think if I needed another year to play college football, it’s something I’d consider,” Johnson said during K-State’s appearance at the Big 12 Media Day in Frisco on Wednesday, July 8. “It’s not something I’ve talked to my family about or even something I’ve thought about this year. I’m focused on this season. It’s time to see how this season goes; I’m looking forward to it, and that’s something we’ll all deal with after.”
Head coach Collin Klein, speaking with the Capital-Journal, said he has discussed the new eligibility model with Johnson, though he wasn’t pressuring him to commit to 2027 already. The Wildcats begin the 2026 season with three other quarterbacks on the roster—Blake Barnett, Jacob Knuth, and Dillon Duff—and they have a three-star quarterback in Cam Kruse committed for 2027.
“I talked to him about it before it happened, and I told him, ‘I think this is going to be favorable and will give you at least some flexibility.’ I said, ‘Let’s put our heads down and have the best season we possibly can and do what’s best for you at the end of it.’ That’s where my heart is, and that’s what he needs to do,” Klein said.
Johnson has also been candid about his NFL ambitions, acknowledging that early projections have not been particularly favorable for him in what scouts consider a strong quarterback class. There are scenarios in which staying another year in college could be financially advantageous, potentially yielding more money than a late-round NFL draft result or an undrafted free agent deal.
At Kansas State, Johnson is nearing several career passing milestones. He’s tied for the school record in touchdown passes, ranks fourth in completions, and sits sixth in passing yards. While he has not yet discussed whether he will pursue an additional college season, he offered a view on the rule itself, suggesting that athletes should be limited to four years of play.
“I think you should get one redshirt—whether medical or non-medical—and then you should play four years,” Johnson said. “It feels odd to see someone go on to play professionally, like in baseball, and then come back to play in college.”