Insider Reveal: The Numbers That Defined KSU's QB In 2024
- 01. Was the 2024 KSU QB Stats Hype or Reality? Here's the Breakdown
- 02. Season Overview
- 03. Detailed Passing Stats
- 04. Rushing and Total Offense Breakdown
- 05. Game-by-Game Highlights
- 06. Stats in Big 12 Context
- 07. Advanced Metrics and Analyst Takes
- 08. Hype vs. Reality Analysis
- 09. Key Milestones
- 10. Historical KSU QB Comparison
Was the 2024 KSU QB Stats Hype or Reality? Here's the Breakdown
Avery Johnson, Kansas State Wildcats' starting quarterback in 2024, completed 217 of 372 passes for 2,712 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while rushing for 605 yards and 7 touchdowns over 13 games, leading KSU to a 9-4 record.
Season Overview
The 2024 season saw Avery Johnson take over as the full-time starter for Kansas State, building on his 2023 backup role where he showed dual-threat promise with 479 passing yards and 296 rushing yards. Kansas State finished 9-4 overall, including a strong Big 12 performance, but losses in key games highlighted areas for improvement like turnover management.
Johnson's stats placed him solidly in the mid-tier of FBS quarterbacks, with a 136.4 passer rating and 58.3% completion rate, per official records from K-State Athletics. His play fueled preseason hype for 2025, but analysts noted his PFF passing grade of 72.9 ranked him 60th nationally, questioning if the excitement matched the output.
Detailed Passing Stats
Johnson attempted 372 passes, averaging 28.6 per game, and connected on 217 for 2,712 yards at 7.3 yards per attempt-identical to his 2023 mark despite increased volume. He threw 25 touchdowns, including a career-high 298 yards and 3 TDs against West Virginia on October 21, 2024.
| Category | Games | Comp/Att | Pct | Yards | Y/A | TD | Int | Rating | Avg/G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avery Johnson | 13 | 217/372 | 58.3% | 2,712 | 7.3 | 25 | 10 | 136.4 | 208.6 |
| Team Total | 13 | 222/383 | 58.0% | 2,748 | 7.2 | 25 | 10 | 134.6 | 211.4 |
- Longest completion: 65 yards, showcasing occasional deep-ball threat.
- 10 interceptions often came in losses, like 2 picks in the 24-14 defeat to Arizona State on November 16, 2024.
- Sacked 13 times, indicating some offensive line protection issues.
Rushing and Total Offense Breakdown
Beyond passing, Johnson's legs were a weapon, rushing 113 times for 605 yards (5.4 avg) and 7 TDs, contributing to 3,317 total offense yards (6.84 yards per play). This dual-threat style echoed his high school days at Maize High, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards as a junior.
- Peaked with 110 rushing yards on 17 carries against Arizona on September 10, 2024, a game that tested KSU's defense prep.
- Averaged 46.5 rushing yards per game, adding unpredictability to KSU's run-heavy scheme led by RB DJ Giddens (1,343 yards).
- Scored 46 points personally (passing and rushing TDs), tying his 2023 output despite more games.
Game-by-Game Highlights
Johnson's consistency shone in wins but faltered in setbacks. On November 30, 2024, at Iowa State, he went 12-of-28 for 220 yards, 3 TDs, but 1 INT in a 29-21 loss.
"Avery Johnson's dual-threat abilities quickly became the foundation of the Wildcats' offense, posting a solid 81.1 PFF overall grade." - Pro Football Focus analyst, previewing 2025 hype.
- Strong outing vs. Houston (November 2): 23/39, 238 yards, 1 TD, but 2 INTs in 24-19 loss.
- Season debut built momentum from 2023's 45-0 opener shutout.
- Key win: 45-18 over West Virginia, with career-high passing.
Stats in Big 12 Context
In the Big 12, Johnson's 2,712 passing yards ranked respectably, but completion percentage lagged behind leaders amid KSU's 12th-place finish per early standings. Rushing prowess (605 yards) outshone many peers, fitting coach Chris Klieman's scheme.
| Metric | Johnson 2024 | 2023 Backup | Big 12 Avg QB (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 2,712 | 479 | ~2,900 |
| Pass TD | 25 | 5 | ~22 |
| Rush Yards | 605 | 296 | ~400 |
| INT | 10 | 0 | ~8 |
Advanced Metrics and Analyst Takes
PFF graded Johnson 81.1 overall but 72.9 passing, citing reliance on play-action and limited downfield throws. His 136.4 rating beat opponents' 128.7 team mark.
- Turnovers costly in 4 losses, per game logs.
- Improved volume from 66 attempts in 2023 to 372.
- EA Sports rated him 89 OVR for College Football 26, signaling pro potential.
Hype vs. Reality Analysis
Preseason buzz called Johnson a "foundation" for contention, delivered via 9 wins and gaudy TDs, but reality tempered by INTs and middling efficiency-hype leaned real but not elite. For 2025, upgrades at WR could elevate him.
KSU fans saw dual-threat flashes, like 110-yard rush game, validating recruitment from Maize High. Stats prove solid sophomore leap, setting stage for junior breakout.
Key Milestones
- September 10, 2024: 110 rush yards vs. Arizona, career high.
- October 21: 298 pass yards, 3 TDs vs. WVU.
- November 16: 24/40, 258 yards vs. ASU despite loss.
- Full season: 3,317 total yards, dual-threat staple.
Historical KSU QB Comparison
Johnson's 2024 outpaced recent KSU QBs like Will Howard's 2023 (2,643 yards, 24 TDs), adding rush upside for 9-4 vs. Howard's title run. Echoes dual-threat legacy but needs polish for playoffs.
At 6-2, 192 lbs from Wichita, his trajectory mirrors KSU's development model.
| QB | Year | Pass Yds | Pass TD | Rush Yds | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avery Johnson | 2024 | 2,712 | 25 | 605 | 9-4 |
| Will Howard | 2023 | 2,643 | 24 | 10 | 9-4 |
Ultimately, 2024 stats affirm Johnson's rise as KSU cornerstone-hype grounded in production, reality demanding refinement for national contention.
Expert answers to Ksu Quarterback 2024 Stats Summary queries
Who is KSU's 2024 Starting QB?
Avery Johnson, a Wichita native and four-star recruit, started all 13 games in 2024 after backing up Will Howard, leading KSU to 9-4.
Did Johnson Meet Preseason Expectations?
Hype positioned him as a Big 12 contender, but mid-tier passing grades (60th in PFF) and 10 INTs showed room for growth despite 25 TDs and mobility.
How Did KSU Perform Overall in 2024?
9-4 record, strong offense (211 passing yards/game team avg), but losses exposed turnover issues; Johnson's stats anchored a run-first attack.
What Were Johnson's Weaknesses?
10 interceptions, especially in losses, and 58.3% completion showed passing rawness; PFF noted poor receiving corps (5th-worst Power Four grade).
Strengths of 2024 Performance?
25 passing TDs, 605 rush yards/7 TDs highlighted mobility; 7.3 Y/A efficiency held steady.