Kansas
‘He gives you nightmares’: The unlimited potential of Kansas State’s lavender-Stingray=driving QB, Avery Johnson
As he pondered the color overhaul of his new car earlier this summer, Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson unleashed a Cheshire grin.
He’d been driving a red Corvette Stingray around campus, and if that wasn’t recognizable enough, he’d decided on a new color that would be familiar to Wildcats fans.
As Johnson took the keys to the Kansas State offense — and, really, the entire Kansas State program — this offseason, he knew that everyone would be watching.
Just like when he zips through Manhattan in his lavender Stingray.
“Everybody’s going to know it’s me,” Johnson said with a laugh earlier this summer. “That’s a good and a bad thing.”
Johnson is a local kid from Wichita who had loads of big-time scholarship offers before ultimately picking Kansas State after visiting Washington and Oregon. He’s also a shy kid who says he walks campus with his long hair typically bundled underneath a hoodie.
So far, being the in-state star who stayed home and has all eyes on him has been a very good thing for Johnson and the Wildcats. Johnson is a sophomore with trademark flow, an unmistakable ride and an electric playing style.
Johnson’s commitment to the Wildcats — and his combination of unlimited upside and a 2-0 start to this season — have allowed the Wildcats to dream on a whole new plane.
As Johnson leads No. 14 Kansas State against No. 20 Arizona on Friday night in a bizarro nonconference matchup of two Big 12 teams, he has been solid in his first full season as a starter. That included leading a 10-point second-half comeback in a 34-27 win over Tulane last week to keep Kansas State’s dreams as vast as Johnson’s potential.
“Our goals are obviously make the Big 12 championship, win the Big 12 and get into that College Football Playoff spot,” Johnson said. “But let’s go make a run for it [because] we’re not just here because we won the Big 12. We want to go out there and compete and show that we can compete at the highest level.”
Johnson has taken a proud and successful program, which for years operated with a defiant lack of flash, and made it dream a little bolder. Even the understated Kansas State coach, Chris Klieman, dips into hyperbole when reflecting on Johnson’s potential.
Klieman and the Wildcats’ staff began recruiting Johnson hard as a sophomore and hung in there when glitzier brands jumped into the fray. When Johnson finally committed, Klieman had a simple reaction: “I knew we had a generationally talented kid.”
And Friday night in the week’s only matchup involving top-20 teams, everyone will have a chance to see the player who’ll be driving Kansas State’s program into the future.
Few coaches have the recent quarterback pedigree of Klieman, who rattles off an impressive list of players he’s either recruited, coached or developed on their way to the NFL — Carson Wentz, Easton Stick, Trey Lance and Skylar Thompson.
When it came to Johnson, geography played a big role in Klieman’s recruiting pitch, as Wichita is just two hours south. At the time, Klieman also had the last Heisman-caliber Kansas State quarterback as his lead recruiter. Who knew better the power of Kansas State than Collin Klein? The Kansas State offensive coordinator, who left after last season for Texas A&M, finished third in the Heisman Trophy race in 2012, ramming Kansas State into the national consciousness.
The staff pitched similar potential, all playing out in front of his loved ones.
“We just needed to keep selling his brand in the state of Kansas and how his legacy in the state of Kansas could be about anything he wanted it to be,” Klieman said. “And it could be much bigger back home with all his family being able to watch him play and the fact that we were going to be successful.”
There was plenty to like about Johnson for the Kansas State staff. But the one thing that stuck out to Klieman, was even as Johnson emerged as one of the country’s top recruits at quarterback — ESPN ranked him the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback behind Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma) and Jaden Rashada (Arizona State, Georgia) — he still played both basketball and baseball in high school.
“I appreciated him because he didn’t say, ‘I’m going to specialize,’” Klieman said. “He’s going to keep playing [the other sports]. And that’s what Carson did. That’s what Easton did, that’s what Trey did. They played all these other sports. I think it’s going to help him.”
Johnson acknowledged that when he made his decision to stay local, it was met with skepticism. He said he received “a lot of negative feedback,” as he’d visited Washington and Oregon and had offers from Notre Dame, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Florida State.
“One of the main reasons I wanted to come here was that Kansas State doesn’t get enough respect, and I just wanted to help start something,” he said. “And I don’t mean start something as in like, oh, I started this, but I wanted to help bring people to Kansas State and win here because it’s a really good program and they care about the right things.
“It’s not just they want you to be a good person, they want you to go to school, get a degree, have life after football. It’s not just what can you do for me on Saturdays.”
Johnson did know there was a manageable path for him to contribute early in his career on Saturdays but just not immediately. He arrived in the spring of 2023 with Will Howard entrenched as the starter in the wake of Kansas State’s Big 12 title run in 2022.
When Johnson arrived, he received a quick tutorial in preparation and professionalism from Howard. He quickly followed Howard’s routine of watching film during the week. They would dissect Saturday’s game on Sunday and then have specific days to study parts of the plan for the upcoming week — Mondays they watched two-minute, Tuesdays blitzes and pressures. That gave Johnson a chance to absorb and eventually develop a routine that worked for him.
The quarterbacks roomed together on the road, and Johnson said he wouldn’t have been as ready to take over the starting job this season without Howard as a mentor.
Soon enough, Johnson performed well enough to earn snaps for the Wildcats. His breakout game came against Texas Tech, when the Kansas State offense needed a spark in Lubbock in mid-October. Johnson came off the bench to rush for five touchdowns in a 38-21 road win.
Johnson summed up the night this way: “I wasn’t doing anything spectacular, I was just fast.”
Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire had an bit less understated recollection. “He is a stud,” McGuire said. “I mean, he gives you nightmares just from the standpoint of the quarterback run game.”
And for Klieman, the performance began to push into focus a difficult decision.
“He had an unbelievable breakout game, but we also knew that we still got a lot of football season left, so we need to keep playing both these guys,” Klieman said.
Klieman played both quarterbacks down the stretch last season. Howard was a very good Big 12 quarterback who had a year of eligibility remaining, and the prevailing thought was that he’d turn pro. After Kansas State finished the regular season at 8-4, Howard and Klieman sat down in his office. “I knew something had to give,” Klieman said.
Klieman recalled Howard telling him: “I think what’s going to happen is you’re going to go with Avery next year.”
Klieman responded: “Yeah, Will, he’s going to be the guy next year.”
At that point, Howard was still strongly considering the NFL draft. He eventually decided to transfer to Ohio State, where he won the starting job and has thrived under new coordinator Chip Kelly.
“Will Howard and I have a really good relationship and we’ve always been honest with each other, and he knew that that’s what we had to do,” Klieman said. “[He knew we could] have a kid for three to four more years, or you can have a kid for a semester more, which was all Will was going to have. We really thought Will was going to go [to the NFL] anyway, and it really worked out well for both guys.”
Johnson had his first true career start against NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, leading Kansas State to a 28-19 win. (He technically started in the regular season against TCU, as the Wildcats began the game with two quarterbacks on the field.)
The win marked the debut of offensive coordinator Connor Riley as Kansas State’s playcaller in place of Klein, continuing with his promotion to offensive coordinator and playcaller this season. (Kansas State brought in veteran coach Matt Wells as the quarterbacks coach and co-coordinator.)
The victory showcased Johnson’s arm, as he threw for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He also scampered for 71 yards and directed a game-sealing fourth-quarter touchdown drive.
“It was a bittersweet moment for me because I finally get to have my first start, and I’m obviously happy for [Howard] because he gets to go out and play at a great college like Ohio State and gets to showcase his ability,” Johnson said. “But it’s like the part where I hurt the most is Will was actually a really good friend of mine, a really good person, and he deserves a lot of the credit for how advanced I was mentally.”
So what can Johnson become as Kansas State’s quarterback?
It’s a fascinating question, as he has been solid but not spectacular so far this season. Johnson has completed 65.9% of his passes, including four touchdowns with one interception. He has 334 passing yards through two games. He also showed poise on the road in engineering the comeback against Tulane.
Johnson hasn’t needed to run the ball a ton, as Kansas State has shown flashes of having one of the best running back tandems in the country — returning star DJ Giddens has 238 yards rushing and is averaging 7.4 yards per carry. Dylan Edwards, a Colorado transfer who is Johnson’s buddy from the Wichita area, has averaged an astounding 10.8 yards on his nine carries. He has also scored two rushing touchdowns and added another one receiving.
That has left Johnson with only 11 carries, something that’s good for his long-term durability. He’s 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, which means he still needs to add some bulk to his frame.
The key area for growth for Johnson and Kansas State against Arizona will be on third down, as the Wildcats rank No. 113 in the country with just a 30% conversion rate. They’ve converted only 6-of-20, which has limited the play count and the ability to find rhythm.
“The thing that I want to make sure that the country knows after this year is that Avery Johnson’s not a running quarterback,” Klieman said. “Avery Johnson is a kid that can spin it all over the place, and if he needs to run, he will, but I don’t want to run him 20 times a game.”
Friday’s game offers a fascinating showdown, as Arizona brings in perhaps the country’s most dazzling quarterback-receiver duo in Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan.
It offers the showcase Johnson always wanted for Kansas State, the program shining in a national spotlight and his home state the center of college football universe for a night. (Kansas also hosts a dangerous UNLV team in the same time slot.)
Johnson and Kansas State take center stage, with all the lofty goals Johnson wanted for the program in front of him. Everyone will be watching, and it’ll be up to Johnson and the Wildcats to make sure that’s a good thing.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed Caleb’s Law, strengthening penalties for online sexual extortion targeting children.
Governor Kelly says the law is named after Caleb Moore, a 14-year-old from El Dorado, who died by suicide after becoming a victim of an online sextortion scheme.
What the Law Does
Caleb’s Law expands Kansas’s existing sexual extortion statute in three key ways:
- Broadens the definition of sexual extortion to include threats involving explicit images – including AI-generated or digitally altered images
- Increase criminal penalties when an adult offender targets a minor or a dependent adult
- Creates two felony offenses: aggravated sexual extortion causing great bodily harm and aggravated sexual extortion causing death
Under the new law, sexual extortion involving a minor or dependent adult is elevated from a severity level 7 to a severity level 6 person felony for coercive intent cases.
The legislation also elevates a level 4 to a level 3 person felony when the victim is caused to produce or distribute sexual content.
Statewide Education Requirements
House Bill 2537 also directs the Kansas Attorney General to lead a statewide public education effort on sextortion. The AG’s office will:
- Prepare and distribute educational materials for schools, students, parents and the public
- Collaborate with the Kansas State Board of Education and law enforcement agencies
- File an annual report beginning July 1, 2027, to the Governor, legislative leadership and the State Board of Education on implementation progress
The Attorney General’s Office estimates the education effort will require two new positions at a cost of around $213,900 from the State General Fund, rising to an estimated $20,300 in 2028.
In Their Own Words
Gov. Kelly said the law reflects the state’s commitment to keeping pace with digital threats facing children.
“Protecting Kansas children means staying ahead of the evolving threats they face, especially in an increasingly digital world where exploitation can happen in an instant,” she said. “By prioritizing education and awareness, Caleb’s Law ensures that young people, families, and educators have the tools to recognize sexual extortion and seek help before it’s too late. By signing this bill, we’re honoring Caleb’s life by shining a light on this growing danger and taking meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.”
Rep. Bob Lewis (R-Garden City), who introduced the bill, added that it earned unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers.
“Our kids are our future and protecting them from online predators, who are increasingly dangerous and sophisticated, must be a top legislative priority,” he stated. “I’m therefore pleased that the governor is signing Caleb’s Law, which I introduced and received unanimous, bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. What happened to Caleb is tragic and must be stopped.”
Rep. Dan Osman (D-Overland Park) credited Caleb Moore’s family for pushing the legislation forward.
“Sexual extortion in any form should never be tolerated, but children under the age of 18 are particularly vulnerable,” he added.
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office also voiced strong support, noting the law addresses one of the state’s most urgent child safety threats.
“HB 2537 is a critical measure to protect Kansans from sexual exploitation and ensure public awareness and education on this growing threat,” said Sarah Hortenstine, Division Chief of Youth Services, Kansas Office of the Attorney General.
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan. 23 | Bill introduced, referred to House Committee on Judiciary |
| Feb. 5 | House committee hearing held |
| Feb. 16 | Committee recommends passage |
| Feb. 18 | House passes bill unanimously |
| Feb. 25 | Referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary |
| March 17 | Senate committee hearing held |
| March 18 | Senate committee recommends passage |
| March 19 | Senate passes bill unanimously |
The bill received unanimous, bipartisan support in both chambers – with no recorded opposition.
Background: What Is Sextortion?
Officials noted that sextortion is a form of online exploitation in which offenders coerce victims – often minors – into producing sexual images.
Those bad actors then use the images to demand more content, money, or sexual acts, according to investigators.
State leaders said cases can escalate rapidly, and the resulting trauma has led to severe psychological harm and, in some cases, suicide.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
For mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Since losing Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller in the transfer portal, Bill Self has been tasked with rebuilding his frontcourt from the 2025-26 campaign. While he has landed former Utah forward Keanu Dawes to succeed Tiller at the four, the Jayhawks’ roster still lacks a true center to replace Louisville commit Bidunga.
One player KU had hoped to add was Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, who tormented the Jayhawks when the two schools met this past February. However, the chances of him committing to play in Lawrence appear to be dwindling by the day.
The Senegal native recently wrapped up a trip to St. John’s and is set to visit Ann Arbor on Monday to meet with the defending champions, Michigan.
Source: Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam will visit Michigan on Monday.
Recently visited St. John’s.
Averaged 12.8 PPG and 7.1 RPG last season.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 19, 2026
Kansas was initially supposed to be one of the top schools involved in Thiam’s recruitment, but that hasn’t necessarily been the case. The Jayhawks have been relatively quiet so far and haven’t gained much traction toward securing an official visit.
Not only is Michigan a recruiting powerhouse coming off a national title win under second-year head coach Dusty May, but it also boasts one of the largest NIL collectives in the NCAA. If the Wolverines are seriously pursuing Thiam, it likely means he will come at a hefty price tag.
KU is expected to increase the NIL budget this year to handle its roster deficiencies from the past few seasons. Regardless, the program must be strategic with its spending, especially with the decision of 2026 prospect Tyran Stokes still looming.
Who Are Kansas’ Alternatives to Moustapha Thiam?
If the Jayhawks are unable to land Thiam, there are a few alternatives on the open market. Those options may not carry the same hype as the 7-foot-2 phenom, who is ranked as the No. 3 center in 247 Sports’ transfer rankings, but they could still provide solid production nonetheless.
One name to watch is Anton Bonke, another towering big man who has spent time at Providence and most recently Charlotte. He visited KU’s campus earlier this week alongside Dawes and remains a viable option.
Another possible solution could come from within if Paul Mbiya decides to withdraw from the transfer portal and return to Kansas. The incoming sophomore flashed his potential during the postseason and is reportedly open to rejoining the program.
Finally, FC Barcelona center Sayon Keita is an international prospect who could make his college decision within the next month or two. He took an official visit to Kansas last July.
Whoever ultimately replaces Bidunga, Self will need to act quickly before the remaining top targets come off the board. Bringing back Mbiya and adding a transfer would be a strong start.
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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — In 2025 at Kansas Speedway, Kyle Larson set a significant record.
In 2026 at the 1.5-mile intermediate track, the driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet might simply settle for a win in Sunday’s AdventHealth 400.
In winning last year’s spring race at Kansas, Larson led 221 laps, most in NASCAR history for a driver in a 400-mile race on a 1.5-mile speedway.
That victory, however, was Larson’s last in the NASCAR Cup Series, though he did claim the 2025 series title by finishing third in the Championship 4 Race at Phoenix in November.
Statistics augur well for Larson as he tries to end his 32-race drought on Sunday. He has led 761 laps at Kansas Speedway since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, more than double the total of any other driver. Denny Hamlin is second with 337.
His 1,842 laps led on 1.5-mile tracks in the Gen 7 era (since 2022 inclusive) more than double the total of the next driver on the list (Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron at 912).
Larson has led laps in 21 of the last 22 races on 1.5-mile speedways, including the last 10 in a row. If he leads 25 laps on Sunday at Kansas, he will surpass Kevin Harvick’s track-record of 949.
The two-time series champion is the only repeat winner in the last 11 races at Kansas, having won three times during that span, including the last two spring races.
His history considered, Larson has every reason to be confident at a track he thoroughly enjoys.
“Kansas is a lot of fun,” Larson said. “It’s really fast. You’re always trying to carry a lot of speed and momentum off the corners and run big arcs into the entry. There are two different ends of the racetrack, but I feel like you approach the corners in a similar way.
“In the race, you settle into a comfortable pace and balance and try to run as close to the wall as possible without hitting it. It’s a fun place. It can be challenging, but it’s good because you have options to move around.”
Chevrolet teams have been dealing with a new body style this season. Chase Elliott’s win at Martinsville is the car maker’s only trip to Victory Lane so far.
“I think we’re gaining on it,” Larson said. “I think the body stuff maybe is what we’re fighting right now. Entries (into the turns) seem to be pretty loose at most tracks, and then the window of balance is pretty narrow…
“I think we’re not bad on speed. I feel like we’re close to a win, but at the same time, I feel like we have a lot of work to do to get our cars better to where a win would be much easier.”
If a victory for Larson is realistic possibility, Kyle Busch might be satisfied with a top-10 run. On a miserable afternoon last Sunday at Bristol, Busch started 29th and finished 25th, two laps down, after tangling twice with the Toyota of Riley Herbst.
Busch’s winless streak reached 101 races at Thunder Valley, and Richard Childress Racing, the organization that fields Busch’s Chevrolets, has failed to score a top-10 finish in eight straight races for the first time since 1981. RCR is the only multicar team without a top-10 finish this year.
Ty Gibbs got his first Cup Series victory at Bristol last Sunday, but the odds are heavily against another first-time winner at Kansas. In 40 Cup races at the track, there has never been a first-time winner.
Toyota drivers have won six of the first eight Cup races this season, and they’re likely to be strong again at Kansas. Tyler Reddick could become the fourth driver in series history and the first since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 to win five of the first nine races in a season.
Both Reddick and 23XI Racing teammate Bubba Wallace, who is making his 300th career start, are former winners at the 1.5-mile track. The 23XI organization has three victories at Kansas, most at any single venue.
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin boasts four Kansas victories, more than any other driver. He has finished in the top-five in seven of the last nine races there.
If a Toyota driver wins on Sunday, it will be the first time a single manufacturer has won seven of the first nine races in a season since Chevrolet accomplished the feat in 2007.
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