Dynamic tight end announces a return to Oregon

Though the Ducks are still waiting for a decision from Kenyon Sadiq, Jamari Johnson made it official Tuesday with his announcement that he's returning to the offense for next season.

Johnson became a big-play machine for the Ducks, with a touchdown and a two-point conversion in the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Indiana. He latched on to 32 passes for 510 yards and 3 touchdowns.

A transfer from Louisville, the 6-5, 257 big receiver caught four passes against Iowa, Minnesota, Texas Tech and Indiana, a spectacular one-handed grab for a 41-yard touchdown against James Madison. In all ten of his catches went for 20 yards or more.

Johnson possesses a big catch radius and a knack for churning upfield after he gets the ball. He took a short route over the middle for a 56-yard catch-and-run against Rutgers.

His return gives the Ducks the most athletic tight end room in the country even before Kenyon Sadiq finalizes his decision. In Johnson, the Inglewood, California native, five-star freshman Kendre Harrison and five-star transfer Alexander Olesh, the Ducks have three weapons at tight end. If Sadiq returns, it's easily the most dangerous group in the country, and it could become so even without him.

Oregon focuses on retaining their frontline players

With tight ends coach Drew Mehringer taking over as offensive coordinator, this group provides an incredible security blanket for the 2026 quarterback, whether Dante Moore or new transfer Dylan Raiola.

The Ducks seem to be moving to an NFL model where they pay their top 53 players the elite money while allowing some of the depth and rotational players to go. In the coming weeks, the challenge will be to fill out the roster with some role players.