Meet the K-State receiver who is making life ‘10 times easier’ for Avery Johnson
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Purdue transfer Jaron Tibbs emerges as key wide receiver in K-State offense.
- Quarterback Avery Johnson credits Tibbs with improving passing-game options.
- Newcomers Tibbs and Jerand Bradley aim to fill perimeter gaps in 2025 attack.
Jaron Tibbs remembers exactly how Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson convinced him to play for the Wildcats.
The Purdue transfer wide receiver was chatting with Johnson in his flashy car last winter while Tibbs was on campus for a recruiting visit. His words made a lasting impression.
“He was telling me how last year, the season was kind of underwhelming and how what he really needed was some explosive receivers,” Tibbs recalled this week. “I was just thinking that’s exactly what I’m looking for, too. I was like, this thing could definitely work out.”
Tibbs enrolled at K-State and immediately became the talk of spring practice. He followed that up with a stellar showing during preseason training camp.
Now that the season-opener against Iowa State is nearly upon us, Tibbs and his 6-foot-2 frame may be the most hyped newcomer on the entire offense as K-State prepares to head to Dublin, Ireland.
“He’s legit,” said K-State football coach Chris Klieman.
“He is a very mature playmaker,” said K-State tight end Will Swanson. “Whenever we call a designed play for him, watch out.”
“Being able to throw to a guy like Tibbs, it makes my life 10 times easier,” Johnson said. “He’s a big target who can go up and get jump balls with smooth, strong hands. I can be off a little bit and he can make up for it. Being able to have a forgiving receiver to throw to definitely excites me for the season.”
The Wildcats could certainly use an extra weapon in the passing game.
Jayce Brown and a quartet of K-State tight ends were valuable weapons for Johnson last season as he threw for 2,712 yards and 25 touchdowns. But he lacked other reliable targets on the perimeter.
That could change now that Tibbs and Boston College transfer Jerand Bradley are set to make their first starts in purple. K-State has shared many highlight catches from Tibbs over the past month.
It’s worth noting that Tibbs only caught 25 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns for Purdue last season. He will need to make a big jump to become a valuable complementary receiver in K-State’s offense. But Tibbs thinks he is more than capable of increasing his production now that he is in a system that suits him.
“I know the offense and I have a connection with Avery,” Tibbs said. “I also have a connection with the other guys on the offense. I totally understand my role and how I fit in the offense. I am here to catch the deep ball and be a contested catch guy on third down when we need to move the sticks. That’s what I’m going to do.”
This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 6:30 AM with the headline "Meet the K-State receiver who is making life ‘10 times easier’ for Avery Johnson."