Nate Johnson’s change of heart has led him from the Akron Zips to the Kansas State Wildcats.
Johnson announced on social media Sunday, April 20, he has committed to continue his college basketball career at Kansas State.
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When last season ended, Johnson told the Beacon Journal he planned to return to the University of Akron, and he later announced he would be back with the Zips men’s basketball team. However, Johnson reversed course when he entered the NCAA transfer portal last week.
As a redshirt junior guard last season with Akron, Johnson was voted Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, MAC Defensive Player of the Year and the MAC Tournament Most Valuable Player. He averaged 14 points on 43.9% shooting from the field, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 steals in 30.1 minutes.
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Akron Zips guard Nate Johnson (34) plants a kiss on the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship trophy at Rocket Arena on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron’s season ended March 21 with a 93-65 loss to Arizona in a first-round NCAA Tournament game in the East Region in Seattle. Akron went 28-7, and its 28 wins are a school record.
Johnson is the second starter Akron has lost to the transfer portal this offseason. Senior forward James Okonkwo also changed his mind and committed to Utah after announcing he would be back with the Zips.
In terms of additions Akron has made this offseason, former Ohio State wing Evan Mahaffey announced his transfer to UA. His younger brother, Eric, is with the Zips, too.
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Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Former Akron Zips star Nate Johnson announces transfer to Kansas State
