“THEY’LL REGRET THIS”: Kansas State’s Avery Johnson Reacts to Stunning Heisman Snub — QB Fires Back With Bold Warning…

“THEY’LL REGRET THIS”: Kansas State’s Avery Johnson Reacts to Stunning Heisman Snub — QB Fires Back With Bold Warning

MANHATTAN, Kan. — In what has quickly become one of the most talked-about moments of the college football season, Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson has turned heartbreak into motivation. After being left out of the final list of Heisman Trophy finalists, Johnson’s response has set the tone for what could be one of the most fiery finishes to a Wildcats season in recent memory.

The announcement came late Saturday night, and for many Kansas State fans, it felt like a punch to the gut. Johnson, who had led the Wildcats to one of their best seasons in years, was expected to be among the top names for college football’s most prestigious individual award. His numbers were elite — over 3,500 passing yards, 800 rushing yards, and 37 total touchdowns. But somehow, the selection committee thought otherwise.

Inside the Wildcats’ locker room, the mood was heavy at first. Teammates described the initial silence that fell when the Heisman list was revealed. Avery Johnson, the player who had carried the team through adversity, simply stood still, his expression calm but unreadable. Then, according to those close to the team, he broke that silence with determination that sent chills through the entire room. What followed was not a meltdown, but a vow — to prove that the voters had made a mistake.

 

 

 

 

Head coach Chris Klieman, who has built Kansas State into one of the Big 12’s toughest programs, didn’t have to say much to his quarterback. Johnson already knew what came next. The Wildcats were preparing for a high-stakes postseason run, and the snub had become fuel. The kind of fuel that great athletes turn into unforgettable performances.

For Johnson, this wasn’t just about a trophy. It was about respect. Throughout the season, he had been doubted by national media. Critics often downplayed his success, labeling it as “system-driven” or “overhyped.” But game after game, Johnson silenced them — from orchestrating a comeback win over Texas Tech to torching Oklahoma State with both his arm and his legs. Each performance was a statement that Kansas State belonged among the elite.

Now, with the Heisman dream suddenly stripped away, the quarterback’s focus shifted toward something bigger — legacy. In recent practices, Johnson has been described as even more locked in than usual. Teammates say his energy is contagious, that every snap feels like he’s playing for something personal. His passes are sharper, his runs more decisive, and his leadership even more intense.

The Wildcats’ offensive coordinator, Collin Klein, who himself was once a Heisman finalist for Kansas State in 2012, understands what his young quarterback is feeling. Klein had been through the same whirlwind — praised, doubted, then overlooked. Now, he’s channeling that shared experience to help Johnson use this moment the right way.

Under Klein’s direction, the Wildcats offense has evolved into a perfect fit for Johnson’s dual-threat capabilities. It’s no longer just about stats — it’s about dominance. Johnson’s command at the line of scrimmage, his ability to read defenses, and his quick decisions under pressure have all grown significantly. It’s hard not to see shades of past Kansas State greats, but Johnson’s style feels more electric — modern, explosive, and fearless.

 

 

 

 

Fans in Manhattan have rallied behind their star. The day after the Heisman announcement, social media was flooded with messages of support. Purple banners appeared around the city reading “Heisman or Not, He’s Our QB.” Local businesses even started offering “Snub Specials” — discounts named after Johnson’s supposed “revenge tour.” It’s clear that the community has embraced the chip on his shoulder as their own.

The upcoming bowl game now carries more weight than ever. Kansas State will face a top-ranked SEC opponent — a team many believe the Wildcats can’t beat. But that’s precisely the kind of stage Avery Johnson thrives on. Those close to him say he’s been replaying the Heisman announcement over and over in his head, using every ounce of that disappointment as motivation to prove everyone wrong.

This isn’t the first time Avery Johnson has faced doubt. Coming out of high school, many national analysts considered him “too raw” to succeed in the Power Five. He wasn’t supposed to become the centerpiece of a playoff-contending team. Yet here he is — leading one of the most balanced offenses in college football, turning every doubt into evidence of his resilience.

The Wildcats’ preparation this week has reflected that same energy. Practices have been intense, film sessions longer, and team meetings more emotional. Coach Klieman has kept the message simple: “Let your play do the talking.” That’s exactly what Johnson intends to do. Those around him say he’s been more vocal in huddles, more demanding of excellence from his teammates, and more relentless in his pursuit of perfection.

College football has a way of writing its own redemption stories. For Avery Johnson, this snub might just be the spark that ignites one. A Heisman trophy is decided by voters — but legacies are written on the field. And if Johnson’s track record tells us anything, it’s that he won’t rest until the entire country knows his name should’ve been called.

As Kansas State gears up for the final stretch, all eyes are on the quarterback who was told he wasn’t enough. But in Manhattan, Kansas, there’s a growing belief that this “snub” might be the best thing that ever happened to him — and to the Wildcats.

Because Avery Johnson isn’t just playing for recognition anymore. He’s playing for something far more powerful — the chance to make every doubter, every critic, and every voter who left him off that list realize exactly what he meant when he said, “They’ll regret this.”