The transfer portal creates uncertainty as star players come and go.

But Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson only focuses on those who contribute to his team.

“If you want to be here, stay, but if you don’t want to be here, we’ll find someone to do it,” Johnson said before Thursday night’s Rate Bowl. “I think that’s the biggest thing about college football these days.”

Over the last month, the Wildcats have lost many players to the portal. Notable losses were suffered by top wide receivers Keagan Johnson and Jayce Brown, as well as star tackle Carver Willis.

Despite the losses, Johnson said he would rather have players focused on helping K-State.

“At the end of the day, the work is still the work, no matter where you are,” Johnson said. “You have to put in the effort, you have to love the game and in the end it will reward you. Of course we want all the talented players and things to be here. But if you don’t really want to be here and you’re not here for the right reasons, we’re better off without you.

Johnson and the Wildcats face the Scarlet Knights in Phoenix at 5:30 p.m. Johnson’s last bowl start was a 28-19 win over North Carolina State last year. He went 14 of 31 for 178 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 71 yards and another score on the ground.

Jayden Armant is a graduate of Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to the Kansas State Wildcats on SI. He can be reached at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.