Jamari Johnson entering 2026 with ‘something to prove’ as Oregon’s TE1

TL;DR

Jamari Johnson aims to establish himself as Oregon's top tight end in 2026 after a promising yet underwhelming start at Louisville. He finished last season with 32 catches for 510 yards and three touchdowns.

Key points

Jamari Johnson is Oregon's starting tight end for 2026
He had 32 catches for 510 yards and three touchdowns last season
Johnson aims to prove himself after a minimal impact at Louisville
He feels this season is crucial for showcasing his talent

Oregon DucksJamari JohnsonKenyon SadiqTerrance Ferguson

The Oregon Ducks continue to have an embarrassment of riches at tight end. From Terrance Ferguson to Kenyon Sadiq, and now to Jamari Johnson, the Ducks once again think they have the best hybrid receiver along the line of scrimmage in college football.

Although his confidence and energy are tremendous, Johnson might not agree with that title yet. The redshirt junior tight end had a minimal impact at Louisville before popping in the second half of the season for the Ducks. He finished with 32 catches for 510 yards and three touchdowns for the Ducks, nearly matching Sadiq in yardage (560) with nearly 20 fewer receptions (51).

Now, as the starter and the leader of a young position room, Johnson wants to make his mark in his second season at Oregon.

“I feel like I got something to prove," Johnson said in his first media availability after Oregon's second scrimmage of the spring. "You know, for me personally, I feel like I haven't really done anything in college football. So I feel like this year is that year for me to show everybody what I'm about.”

Johnson might be underselling himself a bit. In the College Football Playoff, he turned into a security blanket for Dante Moore, making nine catches and scoring two touchdowns in the Ducks' three games against James Madison, Texas Tech and Indiana.

The Ducks welcomed transfer and true freshman Kendre Harrison to the tight end room this spring, as well as Markus Dixon, who transferred to Eugene in the offseason and is making the full-time switch back to tight end after playing defensive end at Clemson.

Q&A

What were Jamari Johnson's stats last season at Oregon?

Jamari Johnson recorded 32 catches for 510 yards and three touchdowns last season.

How does Jamari Johnson compare to other tight ends at Oregon?

Johnson nearly matched teammate Kenyon Sadiq in yardage, finishing with 510 yards compared to Sadiq's 560 yards, despite having significantly fewer receptions.

What does Jamari Johnson want to prove in the 2026 season?

Johnson wants to demonstrate his capabilities and make a significant impact in college football, stating he feels he hasn't done enough so far.

Who are the other notable tight ends on the Oregon Ducks roster?

Other notable tight ends include Terrance Ferguson and Kenyon Sadiq, both of whom are considered strong players in the position group.