There have been a lot of moving parts for the Oregon Ducks offense over the past two months, but a constant has been the performance of tight end Jamari Johnson.
Coming to Oregon after beginning his career at Louisville, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Johnson was tremendous in 2025 for the Ducks. He finished the season with 510 receiving yards, ranking within the top 10 nationally among tight ends despite playing alongside eventual 2026 first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq. Now tasked with leading the position room, Johnson hasn't disappointed.
Through seven games played, as Johnson missed games against Oklahoma State and Portland State to injury, Johnson has recorded 29 receptions for 370 yards and three touchdowns. His efforts have earned him a spot as a semifinalist
for the 2026 John Mackey Award, an honor that goes to the best tight end in college football.
TE1 🦆
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) November 11, 2026
Jamari Johnson is a semifinalist for the 2026 John Mackey Award, presented to the nation’s top tight end. #GoDucks x @JamariJJ2 pic.twitter.com/OdTKUJWOd6
Despite being third on the Ducks in each of the receiving categories, the stats don't quite show the full impact of Johnson in 2026.
He played his best game against the USC Trojans, stepping up and aiding backup quarterback Dylan Raiola in his first real action for Oregon. Johnson caught seven passes for 119 yards, repeatedly breaking open and proving to be Raiola's No. 1 target in the 41-27 victory over the Trojans on the road.
Additionally, he has a pair of game-winning catches.
Mounting a late comeback against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Johnson caught a pass from Raiola as he was streaking open in the back of the end zone, putting the Ducks ahead in the 17-14 win. Two weeks later, Johnson was the recipient of a Raiola flip pass for a first down, sealing a victory over the Northwestern Wildcats. When the game is on the line, Johnson is the receiver that Raiola has consistently looked to.
Johnson is the fourth Duck to be named a Mackey Award semifinalist, joining George Wrighster (2002), Ed Dickson (2009) and Kenyon Sadiq (2025).
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon TE Jamari Johnson named semifinalist for Mackey Award
