It was an up-and-down season for Johnson as he took over for Will Howard as the team’s starting quarterback. He led the Wildcats to nine victories, including feel-good wins over Kansas, Colorado and Rutgers. But he also melted down and threw too many interceptions in losses to BYU, Houston and Arizona State.

Kansas State football's main goals going into the Rate Bowl was to send its seniors out on top and build momentum for 2025. Mission accomplished.

Kansas State may only be the reigning Pop-Tarts Bowl champions for a few more days, but the Wildcats can still end the season on a high note in the Rate Bowl against Rutgers at Chase Field in Phoenix on Thursday.