: Kansas State’s Avery Johnson Named 2025 Poster Boy for NCAA Big 12 Conference
In a moment that encapsulates the energy and rising dominance of Kansas State football, redshirt sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson has been officially named the 2025 Poster Boy for the NCAA Big 12 Conference, becoming the youngest Wildcat ever to earn the honor. The announcement came early Tuesday morning during the Big 12 Media Days in Arlington, Texas, where Commissioner Brett Yormark unveiled the league’s 2025 branding campaign titled “Built Different: The Next Era of the Big 12.”
And in many ways, no one represents that era better than Avery Johnson.
Born and raised in Maize, Kansas, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound quarterback has rapidly transformed from a promising four-star recruit into the face of a resurgent Kansas State program. After a breakout 2024 season in which he threw for 3,845 yards and 36 touchdowns—while rushing for an additional 875 yards and 11 scores—Johnson led the Wildcats to a historic 11-2 campaign and a thrilling victory in the Sugar Bowl over LSU.
Described by scouts as having “the poise of a veteran and the flair of a game-changer,” Johnson’s rise has mirrored the Big 12’s redefined identity—tough, fast, and impossible to ignore. As part of his role as Poster Boy, Johnson will appear on official conference banners, media campaigns, video promos, and NIL-driven social media rollouts throughout the 2025 season. His image—arms crossed in full K-State uniform, jaw set with calm fire—is already going viral under the hashtag #BuiltDifferent12.
“It’s surreal,” Johnson said on stage at the announcement. “To be honored like this, to represent Kansas State, my teammates, and the Big 12—it’s something I don’t take lightly. This conference is stacked with talent. For them to choose me? It just fuels me even more.”
The selection committee reportedly considered several top-tier candidates, including Oklahoma State’s dynamic linebacker Malik Bishop and Arizona’s dual-threat phenom QB Diego Valdez. Yet Johnson’s charisma, leadership, and high-impact performance made him the unanimous choice. One Big 12 official said simply, “Avery is the brand.”
Kansas State Head Coach Chris Klieman praised Johnson’s discipline and work ethic. “Avery is one of those rare players who elevates everyone around him,” Klieman said. “He’s already one of the best to come through Manhattan, and he’s just getting started.”
With Kansas State eyeing a potential College Football Playoff berth this season, Johnson’s Poster Boy role elevates not only his profile but that of the entire Wildcat program. Corporate sponsors are already taking notice, with Johnson rumored to be finalizing NIL deals with Adidas, Raising Cane’s, and a major mobile carrier.
As the sun sets on the traditional power alignments of college football, the Big 12—and Avery Johnson—are charging forward into a new age. He’s not just the face of a team or even a conference.
He’s the face of what’s next.
