Ducks QB Dillon Gabriel - Ben Lonergan/USA TODAY NETWORK
It’s here, College Football fans.
The road to the National Championship game began earlier this year when the CFP granted us some extra teams in the 2025 CFP playoffs.
All these teams know that the ultimate goal is to win the National Championship.
From Dec 20, 2024, to Jan 20, 2025, each team will advance and move one step closer to the ultimate goal. The losing teams will go home and wonder what could have been.
Welcome to the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
This is true, especially for one program with a dynamite receiver just waiting to explode and show his talents.
Additionally, it doesn’t hurt that this program is the number one seed in the tournament and earned a first-round bye by winning the Big 10 Championship game.
Meet Oregon wideout Tez Johnson.
How it All Began to Win the National Championship
Tez Johnson’s rise to fame started from the basement up to the top floor of the College football world.
Only a three-star recruit, Johnson didn’t really catch the eye of any of the blueblood programs.
He did, though, catch the attention of a mid-major school in Alabama. Being one of the top 65 players in the state, Johnson committed to Troy University to play football and study for the Trojans.
His numbers weren’t off the chart, but he managed to put up eight touchdown receptions while averaging 12.8 yards a catch in three years.
The Transfer Portal
While it’s only average, Johnson wanted to be better than average. Thanks to the support of his family, including his adopted brother and Denver Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix.
The talented wide receiver entered the portal and committed to Oregon as a transfer.
A Star is Born in Eugene, Oregon
The minute Johnson set foot into Oregon University’s campus, the next phase of his football journey took off.
The 5′ 10″, 165 lb. speedy athlete made history in 2023 by breaking Oregon’s season receptions performance with 1,182 yards and 10 touchdown grabs.
He could have departed for the NFL after that season, but after losing to Washington twice, he showed loyalty to return to Eugene for another year.
NFL Draft Tools
While he may have a short frame and a small body, he has powerful speed and quickness off the line of scrimmage and can make those deep catches on fade-and-go routes. He also isn’t doing this alone.
Besides his family, he has his football family, too. Led by fellow receivers Evan Stewart and Traeshon Holden with over 600 yards receiving each, and dynamic tight end Terrance Ferguson with 520.
He also has quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and together, this offense is as dynamic and explosive as any team in the 12-team playoff.
The question is, will it all be good enough for the Ducks to win the National Championship?
What’s Next
Johnson is another strong success story. He started at a mid-major school as a little-known recruit, got his name out there, and became a Power Four star through the transfer portal.
While we’ve seen other players not having the same fate of making it big, Johnson is among the many who have made it big through the portal.
The question is, if he wins a National Championship this season and then decides to turn pro after, can he kill it in the combine to hear his name called in the 2025 NFL draft?
Also, could he be a diamond in the rough NFL prospect who makes it big in that league down the road?
Only time will tell, but all roads shall lead to the NFL.
For another interesting Sports story, please check out:
An Unmatched Look At Syracuse Football’s 2025 Recruiting Class
