Oregon Ducks’ Tez Johnson leads NCAA, close to breaking multiple Oregon records

It would be a tough task to get over the No. 1 Oregon ducks offense without mentioning wide receiver Tez Johnson. Johnson is a lifelong Duck fan who makes his dreams come true (did we mention? Is he the brother of quarterback Bo Nix?) who is on his way to destroy several schools records this year.

In 2023, Johnson broke the Oregon record for most receptions in a single season (86) and is just 23 receptions away from breaking his own Oregon record in 2024.

Johnson leads the NCAA with the most final touchdowns (7) in the country, an impressive statistic, especially midway through the season. Johnson has also scored a touchdown in the past five straight games.

For those unfamiliar, a slot receiver is on the offensive line and another receiver (a “split end” or a “flanker”). Slot receivers are typically smaller than the average wide receiver and a faster option. A slot is usually used for short passes in an attempt to secure a first down. In the Ducks’ offense, which relies on short passes from the quarterback Dillon GabrielJohnson thrives at the slot receiver position, which is why he has picked up so many touchdowns.

In fact, Johnson ranks fifth in the nation for most receiving touchdowns so far this season: eight. Johnson is currently tied with Louisville’s Ja’Corey Brooks, FIU’s Eric Rivers, Troy’s Devonte Ross, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Heisman Trophy candidate Travis Hunter of Colorado. The athlete with the most receiving touchdowns so far this season is San Jose State Spartan Nick Nash with 12 touchdowns.

The only games Johnson didn’t score so far this season were Boise State’s home game and Oregon State’s road game in Corvallis. Against Boise StateJohnson scored an 85-yard touchdown on special teams. So technically, Johnson only has one game this season where he didn’t put any points on the board for Oregon.

If you look at the distance, Johnson is also flying. Against Illinois last week, Johnson picked up his third game this season with over a hundred receiving yards on six attempts. During the 2023 season, Johnson marked four games with over a hundred receiving yards, but all of them were heading into the latter part of the Ducks season (including the VRBO Fiesta Bowl against Liberty). Illinois’ 102 receiving yards marks the sixth time Johnson has topped triple digits in yardage during the regular season.

Right now, Johnson is close to breaking the Oregon receiving touchdown record (held by Troy Franklin), the receiving yards record (held by Jeff Maehl and Samie Parker), and the receiving yards record (held by Samie Parker). With four regular season games remaining and a more than likely bowl game on the horizon for the Ducks, there’s a good chance Johnson will be able to break these records at the pace he’s playing.

Johnson will have another chance Saturday to rush through gaps and around defenders as a slot receiver as the Oregon Ducks take on Michigan Glutton in Ann Arbor. Kickoff is at 12:30 PM PT.