The NCAA has introduced an age-based eligibility framework that lets athletes who sign up for college before turning 19 claim a fifth year of competition. This shift creates a rare extension window for seniors who might otherwise exhaust their four-year eligibility before the NFL Draft.
A Fifth-Year Option Looms for the Wildcats
Avery Johnson, the senior quarterback for Kansas State, stands to benefit most from the new rule. Because he enrolled before his 19th birthday, he could now remain in Manhattan for a fifth season if he chooses, giving him additional film time to boost his draft stock.
If Johnson delivers a strong performance during the 2026 campaign, analysts project he could climb into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Should he not achieve that projection, the extra year provides a clear pathway to return to Kansas State in 2027 and continue developing under Coach Collin Klein.
Klein and offensive coordinator Sean Gleason gain a valuable window to fine‑tune their scheme with Johnson still on campus. Their dual‑year plan could embed a more sophisticated playbook, leveraging Johnson's experience while integrating younger talent.
The quarterback room already includes Blake Barnett and Dillion Duff, but the depth extends further. Jacob Knuth, Cam Kruse and Titus Huard are also on the roster, offering a blend of skill sets that could enrich practice dynamics and game‑plan flexibility.
Having multiple capable signal‑callers does more than add competition; it creates a strategic reservoir that can adapt to injuries, opponent schemes and evolving offensive concepts. This abundance may also attract recruits who see a clear path to meaningful snaps.
The ripple effect reaches beyond the current roster. Prospective quarterbacks watching the Wildcats may be drawn to a program that promises not only a chance to play early but also the possibility of an extra developmental year under a progressive coaching staff.