Kansas State QB draws comparisons to former Heisman Trophy winners

There is no shortage of enthusiasm around the first full season with Avery Johnson starting at quarterback for Kansas State. That’s thanks in large part to his MVP turn in a 28-19 win over No. 19 North Carolina State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl to close out the 2023 season.

That wasn’t Johnson’s only big moment as a true freshman — he also had five rushing touchdowns in a win over Texas Tech.

Johnson now finds himself firmly in the spotlight and NCAA.com has him listed among their grouping of first-year starting quarterbacks who could be Heisman Trophy contenders in 2024.

It wouldn’t be the first time a first-year starter has brought home the Heisman.

From NCAA.com : “Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston both won the Heisman as redshirt freshman in their first years as starters, and more recently, Bryce Young won the Heisman in his first year starting as a sophomore.”

Kansas State opens the season at home on Aug. 31 against Tennessee-Martin.