Kansas State QB Avery Johnson states playing at Alabama would be his dream opponent

In the hypercompetitive world of college football, dream matchups are often forged not just by rivalries or schedules, but by the aspirations of players who dare to challenge the best. For Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson, one such dream is clear: playing against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

In a recent interview with local media in Manhattan, Johnson was asked to name his ideal opponent if he could choose any team, any stadium, and any stage. Without hesitation, the answer came:

“Alabama. No question. Playing at Bryant-Denny, under the lights, with that crowd—that would be a dream come true.”

At first glance, it might seem unusual for a quarterback from the Big 12 to single out an SEC powerhouse. But Johnson’s reasoning runs deeper than spectacle or stage. His respect for Alabama isn’t just about brand recognition—it’s about the opportunity to test himself against the gold standard of college football.

And in doing so, Johnson has revealed not just his competitive fire, but something rarer in the sport today: genuine reverence for greatness, and the desire to measure oneself against it.

Avery Johnson isn’t your typical quarterback prospect. The 6’2″, 200-pound dual-threat signal caller from Maize, Kansas, was one of the most highly touted recruits in K-State history. A four-star recruit in the 2023 class, Johnson turned down offers from Oregon, Notre Dame, and Tennessee to stay home and play for Chris Klieman’s Wildcats.

Since arriving in Manhattan, Johnson has emerged as one of the most dynamic young quarterbacks in the country. After redshirting his first year behind veteran Will Howard, Johnson made headlines with his breakout 2024 campaign. His electric playmaking ability, both through the air and on the ground, helped lead Kansas State to a 10-win season and a Top-15 finish.

Johnson threw for over 2,700 yards and 22 touchdowns while rushing for 875 yards and 11 more scores. His vision, decision-making, and maturity have made him not only a fan favorite, but a growing figure in national quarterback discussions heading into the 2025 season.

But Johnson isn’t content with regional success. He wants to test himself against the elite.

When pressed on why Alabama stood out as his dream opponent, Johnson didn’t hesitate to explain.

“Bama is the standard,” he said. “They’ve been the top of college football for almost two decades. You walk into Bryant-Denny and you’re walking into one of the toughest environments in the game. That’s where legends are made. That’s where you prove what you’ve got.”

He continued, “It’s not just about the team, it’s the expectation down there. The level of detail, the athletes, the speed. You want to know if you belong with the best? You play Bama.”

Johnson’s words carry a unique weight, especially coming from someone who could easily play it safe with diplomatic answers. But this wasn’t for show—it was admiration rooted in football reality. For a quarterback looking to write his name into the national conversation, there is no better proving ground than facing the Crimson Tide.

Johnson’s comment comes at a fascinating time in Alabama’s program history. With Nick Saban’s retirement following the 2023 season, there were whispers about whether the Crimson Tide would maintain their recruiting dominance, national stature, and mystique under new head coach Kalen DeBoer.

So far, those whispers have been answered with emphatic performances.

DeBoer’s 2024 and 2025 squads have remained among the most talented in the country, powered by elite quarterback play, explosive offense, and a retooled recruiting strategy led by general manager Courtney Morgan. The program continues to dominate in attracting five-star talent and consistently competes at the highest level.

For players like Avery Johnson, Alabama hasn’t lost a step in reputation. If anything, it’s evolved into a more dangerous, unpredictable opponent under DeBoer’s spread principles and high-efficiency offense.

“You watch what they’re doing now—it’s different, but it’s still Alabama,” Johnson said. “The athletes are there. The speed’s there. The coaching’s elite. They didn’t fall off at all.”

Imagining a future matchup between Kansas State and Alabama—whether in a New Year’s Six bowl, a College Football Playoff game, or a neutral-site kickoff classic—instantly invites fascinating hypotheticals. Johnson vs. whoever emerges as Alabama’s signal-caller (possibly Julian Sayin or Draylen Parks). DeBoer’s cutting-edge playbook vs. K-State’s creative option-heavy offense. The Big 12’s rising contender vs. the SEC’s eternal blueblood.

It would be a battle not just of systems, but of cultures. Alabama, with its NFL pipeline and global brand. Kansas State, with its toughness, underdog ethos, and blue-collar roots.

“It would be fun, man,” Johnson said with a grin. “I think we’d shock some people. I don’t think we’d go in there scared. We’ve got dudes too.”

There’s no doubt Alabama would be favored—but that’s exactly why Johnson craves the challenge.

“You want to see what you’re made of? Go play in Tuscaloosa in the fourth quarter, down three, needing a drive. That’s pressure. That’s football.”

Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman was asked about Johnson’s remarks during a media availability session and offered full support for his quarterback’s mindset.

“I love it,” Klieman said. “Avery’s a competitor. He’s not afraid of the moment, and he wants to play the best. That’s what you want in your leader. We’re building something here, and to do that, you’ve got to be ready for anyone, anytime, anywhere.”

Klieman’s Wildcats have consistently punched above their weight under his leadership, and with Johnson at the helm, there’s a growing belief that K-State could crash the playoff conversation—especially now with the expanded 12-team format.

Should that happen, and should Alabama be waiting in a quarterfinal or semifinal matchup, it’s not hard to see the seeds of something epic being planted.

Johnson’s statement also fits into a broader movement within college football, where players are increasingly open about their ambitions, goals, and personal motivations. Social media and podcast culture have encouraged transparency, and fans have embraced it.

Whether it’s quarterbacks calling out rivals, skill players expressing a desire to play in certain stadiums, or defenders naming specific QBs they want to sack, there’s a growing culture of respectful challenge in the sport.

“It’s not trash talk,” Johnson clarified. “It’s admiration. I respect Bama. I just want the chance to compete with them.”

And in today’s world of brand-building and NIL, such honesty only fuels interest in matchups that, until now, may have seemed unlikely.

There’s another layer to Johnson’s dream scenario: NFL preparation.

“Playing a team like Alabama is like a preview of Sundays,” Johnson said. “Their defense has NFL dudes at every level. Their speed, the coaching, the disguises—it’s the closest thing to the league.”

Scouts have already started circling Johnson as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. His dual-threat versatility, football IQ, and leadership intangibles have drawn comparisons to players like Jalen Hurts and Sam Howell.

A marquee matchup against a team like Alabama—especially on a big stage—would be a signature line on any quarterback’s résumé.

“You always want tape against the best,” Johnson said. “That’s what gets people talking. That’s what separates you.”

While Kansas State and Alabama don’t currently have a matchup scheduled, the changing landscape of college football makes any matchup possible. With conference realignment, the College Football Playoff expansion, and neutral-site events on the rise, the door is open for more high-profile cross-conference games.

A 2026 non-conference clash? A 2025-26 CFP quarterfinal in New Orleans or Glendale? A neutral-site Kickoff Classic at AT&T Stadium or Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

All plausible. And if Avery Johnson gets his wish, it’s a game that wouldn’t just be about the teams—it would be about the moment.

“I’m not saying we’d win by 50,” Johnson joked, “but I’d love the chance to step on that field and battle. That’s what this game is about. Competing. Testing yourself. Leaving no doubts.”

In a sport often dominated by talking heads and hype machines, Avery Johnson’s words cut through with clarity.

He wants Alabama. Not because it’s easy—but because it’s hard. Because it’s iconic. Because it’s where greatness lives.

That says everything about who Johnson is and who he’s becoming—not just as a quarterback, but as a competitor. Whether the matchup ever materializes or not, his mindset embodies everything that college football at its best should be about: respectful challenge, fearless ambition, and the pursuit of greatness.

If and when Alabama and Kansas State do square off, the nation will be watching.

And so will Avery Johnson—smiling, helmet on, ready to chase his dream.