It’s common knowledge that Avery Johnson is slated to take the helm as Kansas State’s starting quarterback next season. However, uncertainty looms over the backup position. Recent developments suggest that clarity may have emerged with the commitment of Ta’Quan Roberson, a transfer from Connecticut, under the wing of K-State head coach Chris Klieman. Standing at 5-foot-11, the redshirt senior has opted to conclude his collegiate journey in Manhattan after stints at both Penn State and UConn. With his arrival, Roberson is poised to bolster depth at the quarterback position and vie with Jacob Knuth for the backup role behind Johnson.
Given his substantial experience advantage over other quarterbacks on the roster, Roberson appears to be the frontrunner for the job. Even Johnson, with only one college start at QB under his belt, pales in comparison. Last season, Roberson showcased his abilities by completing 58.3% of his passes for 2,075 yards and 12 touchdowns. His seasoned performance could prove invaluable should Johnson be sidelined for any reason next season, and his presence could also serve as a mentor to the younger K-State quarterbacks. Roberson’s standout game for the Huskies was in a close 34-33 loss to Utah State, during which he threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded 201 yards and four touchdowns in a victory over Sacred Heart. A native of Orange, New Jersey, Roberson saw action in 18 games during his tenure at UConn and Penn State. In high school, he was highly regarded as a top 200 prospect by ESPN and a top 10 quarterback recruit by both 247Sports and Rivals in the class of 2019. K-State sought an experienced quarterback following the departures of Will Howard and Jake Rubley after the 2023 season, making Roberson a valuable addition to the Wildcats’ roster, despite not being projected as a starter next season.
