“The Most Overrated Player”: Kansas State Fans Call Out Avery Johnson, Question $1.6M Value After Setback

No. 22 Iowa State pulled a 24-21 upset against No. 17 Kansas State in Dublin on Friday. The Cyclones won the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in a physical game that was full of offensive misfiring in the first half, with both teams committing several fumbles.

IT’S A SECOND-HALF SLUGFEST IN DUBLIN 🥊@KStateFB swings right back as Avery Johnson zips it to Jerand Bradley for the 65-yard score.#Big12FB | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/D7ELyv1fhv

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) August 23, 2025

K-State fans were disappointed by the performance of their quarterback, Avery Johnson, who they thought didn’t play up to the level expected of him. The 20-year-old has an NIL valuation of $1.6 million, according to On3.

“@kstatesports please reevaluate your football head coach….maybe also tell him that his quarterback isn’t worth the hype!!! @KStateFB Avery Johnson is not worth 1.6 million dollars nor worth mentioning in the Heisman race,” wrote one fan.

“Avery Johnson is the most overrated player in. The country,” said someone else.

“Some conversations need to be had about Avery Johnson,” worried someone person.

Others seem to think that the blame is on the Wildcats’ coaching staff.

“Will Howard is proof that K State coaches are trash,” claimed one fan.

Others pointed fingers at the Kansas State defense.

“Where the f*ck was the defense on 4th down. I can’t believe you mother F*ckers let them pick that up. Who was supposed to be on the f*cking running back,” complained one person.

Or maybe it was because the refs took the Cyclones’ side?

“Shoutout to the refs taking Iowa state ML,” wrote one fan.

Kansas State’s coach on the defeat against Iowa State Cyclones

Shortly after the end of the game in Dublin, K-State coach Chris Klieman spoke with ESPN and explained that while not ideal, things are far from over for the Wildcats.

“I mean that’s the thing, regardless of the outcome, we have 11 games to play,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “We have our back against the wall, but now we’ve got to reset and regroup and get ready to play.”

The game was seen as a Big 12 championship game in advance. Time will tell how much of an influence it will have on the race to secure a spot in the league’s conference championship game, but right now, Kansas State is one game down against its most important rival.

Despite playing this weekend on the other side of the pond, both programs will play in Week 1, with Iowa State going against South Dakota and Kansas State taking on North Dakota.

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!