As we start looking ahead to the 2024 college football season, the pre-season Heisman Trophy conversation is in full swing. The sport’s most prestigious award is months away from being handed out, but it’s never to early to look ahead and speculate
On Friday’s episode of the College GameDay Podcast, Thamel named his pick for the “odds on favorite” to win the award this season out of the Big 12 is Kansas State Wildcats QB Avery Johnson.
“…We haven’t talked about K-State yet, right? Avery Johnson has started one game, and he’s the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman in the league,” Thamel said. “That speaks to the electricity, promise, and potential that he brings at quarterback there.”
He played in eight games last year, making one start in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against the NC State Wolfpack. He had 178 passing yards, 71 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns in the bowl win.
Johnson finished the 2023 season with 479 passing yards and five touchdowns with zero interceptions. He also had 296 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He will replace Wil Howard, who transferred to Ohio State in the offseason.
Other Big 12 names to keep an eye on in the Heisman Trophy race out of the Big 12 should include Arizona QB Noah Fifita, Colorado DB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, and Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon.
Kansas State has come close, but has never had a Heisman winner. Collin Klein was the last Kansas State player to be a finalist, finishing third in Heisman voting in 2012.
