The offense had a breakout showing for the Oregon Ducks on Saturday, taking down the USC Trojans by a 41-27 final score. Without Dante Moore in the mix for much of the game, the Ducks scored at will on the Trojans and didn't let up until the final whistle.
While Dylan Raiola shined as the backup quarterback thrust into action, the Ducks had key performances elsewhere. One from a player returning from injury, and another from a player who has struggled to get going early in the season.
Dierre Hill Jr. and Jamari Johnson both earned national honors after their Week 4 performances. Hill was crowned the Paul Hornung Award National Player of the Week, while Johnson was named the John Mackey Award National Player of the Week. The John Mackey Award is
annually presented to the nation's top tight end, and Johnson figures to be in the running this season, despite already missing two games. The Paul Hornung Award is annually presented to the nation's most versatile player.
Hill's versatility was on full display in Los Angeles. While operating out of a split backfield with Jordon Davison, Hill took 15 carries for 63 yards and punched in a pair of short rushing touchdowns. The speedy sophomore also caught four passes for a career-high 104 yards, becoming the first Duck running back to surpass 100 yards receiving in a game since De'Anthony Thomas in 2012.
DIERRE HILL JR. IS AT IT AGAIN! The Ducks extend their lead. 😤
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 27, 2026
📺: Big Ten Saturday Night: Oregon at USC on NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/4MpkNKV7zE
Coming out of halftime, Hill was the sparkplug the Oregon offense needed. He took a screen pass 62 yards, the longest catch by an Oregon running back since 2020, and scored on a run two plays later to help the Ducks own the middle eight minutes of the game.
Johnson's absence from Oregon's offense was notable against Oklahoma State, as the Ducks didn't have a security blanket to find on critical downs. On Saturday, Johnson wasn't just the go-to target in a critical spot; he was a big-play threat.
Johnson caught all seven of his targets for a career-high 119 yards. The former Louisville transfer had explosive plays of 37 and 34 yards and was a reliable target for Raiola. He became the first Oregon tight end to top 100 receiving yards in a game since Jake Breeland did so in 2019.
🏆Week 4 Player of the Week: Jamari Johnson.
— John Mackey Award (@TheMackeyAward) September 29, 2026
Returning from injury, the @oregonfootball TE delivered career highs with 7 catches for 119 yards in a 41–27 win over No. 12 USC. 🦆🔥#JohnMackeyAward #TightEnd #OregonFootball pic.twitter.com/FTdBJOssZE
If Raiola does start Oregon's next game after the bye week, Johnson will be a crucial part of the passing game again, and he could continue to increase his draft stock as a potential first-round pick.
Oregon will need Hill and Johnson both to be at the top of their game coming out of the bye when No. 23 UCLA visits Autzen Stadium on Oct. 10.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon's Jamari Johnson, Dierre Hill earn national honors after Week 4
