Under the spotlight of the Big Ten Championship Game, Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson showcased a career-defining performance, dismantling Penn State with 11 receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown. However, this moment wasn’t just about athletic excellence—it was deeply personal. Watching Johnson play for the first time in person as a member of the No. 1 Oregon Ducks was his biological family, making the game even more memorable.
Johnson’s path to stardom highlights how the transfer portal, often debated, can create opportunities for players to thrive. While the portal doesn’t always yield success, especially for players with lofty high school rankings, it has been transformative for key skill positions like quarterback and wide receiver. Johnson stands as a prime example of its potential.
Hailing from Pinson Valley High School in Alabama, Johnson was a three-star recruit and ranked among the top 65 players in the state. However, he didn’t garner attention from major college programs and began his career at Troy. Over three seasons, he posted respectable numbers, including eight touchdown receptions and an average of 12.8 yards per catch. While solid, his performances didn’t scream stardom—until a family connection changed his trajectory.
Johnson’s adopted brother, former Oregon quarterback and current Denver Broncos starter Bo Nix, advocated for him to join the Ducks. Head coach Dan Lanning trusted Nix’s judgment, leading to Johnson’s arrival in Eugene. From there, Johnson flourished. In 2023, he broke Oregon’s single-season receptions record with 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns. Motivated by unfinished business after two losses to Washington, Johnson returned for another season instead of entering the NFL Draft.
Johnson’s decision paid off, as his MVP showing in the Big Ten title game cemented his role as the focal point of Oregon’s explosive offense. Supported by fellow receivers Evan Stewart and Traeshon Holden, tight end Terrance Ferguson, and quarterback Dillon Gabriel, the Ducks are primed for a deep College Football Playoff run.
For Johnson, this moment is the culmination of hard work and resilience, proving the transfer portal’s potential to elevate overlooked talent to the national stage.
