The Oregon Ducks are about to play in their first-ever Big Ten Championship game and, luckily for the conference newcomer, their star receiver Tez Johnson has been back in action for a few weeks now. However, one player's status isn't quite as clear ahead of the big-time matchup.
Offensive lineman Marcus Harper II missed Oregon's last three games of the season with a left knee injury. Ahead of the Big Ten title game, Harper shared a message on social media, putting hopes in fans' hearts that he would be ready to return to the field.
It’s Time🎸⭐️ pic.twitter.com/EqbXmBaWgr
— Marcus Harper II (@Marcus2_H) December 7, 2024
Harper, a fifth-year senior who has spent the entirety of his collegiate career with the Ducks, is a consistent starter for Oregon. The lineman started in all 14 games for the Ducks during the 2023 season at left guard.
Just one year before, Harper started in 10 games for the Ducks and played in 13 of Oregon's matchups as the offensive line's go-to guy at left guard. The Oregon offensive line has repeatedly been one of the top squads in the nation – currently a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, alongside No. 2 Texas and No. 24 Army.
On the other side of the ball, Jordan Burch – one of Oregon's star defensive linemen – returned to the field against Washington in the Ducks' final game of the regular season. Johnson also made his return in the rivalry game.
Johnson had 3 catches for 36 yards and 1 touchdown against the Washington Huskies. Burch had 3 total tackles in the game, including 2.5 sacks.
No. 1 Oregon and No. 2 Penn State are scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. PT on CBS. The Big Ten powerhouses are playing at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.