Kansas State QB Avery Johnson talks possible 5th year after new NCAA rules
FRISCO, TX — Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson said he has yet to discuss the NCAA's new age-based eligibility rules with his family. The new rules would allow him to play a fifth season of colle
FRISCO, TX — Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson said he has yet to discuss the NCAA's new age-based eligibility rules with his family. The new rul
Read Full Story at Yahoo Sports →Why This Matters
The NCAA’s shift toward age-based eligibility rules reflects a growing recognition of the unique pressures athletes face in modern college sports, where early professional opportunities and physical wear-and-tear can reshape careers before graduation. For Johnson, this change isn’t just about academic timing—it’s a potential lifeline to extend his athletic prime while balancing long-term development in a sport where the average NFL career lasts just 3.3 years.
Background Context
The NCAA’s previous one-year extension rule (for COVID-19) was an anomaly, not a precedent, leaving athletes like Johnson in limbo when their eligibility expired during uncertain circumstances. Now, the association is formalizing flexibility around age cutoffs—a nod to pressure from lawsuits, player advocacy groups, and the reality that elite athletes increasingly treat college as a mid-career stop, not a starting point.
What Happens Next
Johnson’s hesitation to discuss the rules with his family suggests the decision carries emotional weight beyond logistics, possibly tied to financial stability, post-graduation plans, or the desire to avoid being labeled a “redshirt” veteran. Meanwhile, coaches will face tough choices: prioritize younger talent while navigating roster limits, or invest in experienced leaders who can elevate locker rooms but require longer commitments.
Bigger Picture
This policy evolution aligns with a broader trend where the NCAA is slowly conceding ground to athletes on autonomy, mirroring changes in transfer rules and name/image/likeness rights. As conferences like the SEC and Big Ten push for further deregulation, Kansas State’s case could become a testbed for how Power Five schools balance competitive pressure with institutional values around amateurism.
