Tez Johnson Oregon WR Emerges as Top NFL Draft Prospect for 2025
Tez Johnson has emerged as one of the most electrifying wide receivers in college football for the Oregon Ducks. Standing at just 5’9″ and weighing around 160 pounds, Johnson defies his smaller stature with remarkable production on the field. After transferring from Troy, Johnson made an immediate impact at Oregon in 2023. He set a school record with 86 receptions while establishing himself as a key weapon in the Ducks’ high-powered offense.
The talented receiver continued his strong play into the 2024 season, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors as Oregon transitioned to their new conference. Johnson’s quickness, route-running precision, and reliable hands have made him a favorite target and consistent playmaker. His development at Oregon has transformed him from an under-recruited prospect into a legitimate NFL draft consideration.
Johnson’s journey from Pinson, Alabama to becoming a standout receiver for a national championship contender showcases his determination and skill development. NFL scouts have taken notice of his production against top competition, though his size will likely factor into his draft positioning. His ability to create separation and produce after the catch could make him an intriguing mid-round selection for teams looking to add explosiveness to their receiving corps.
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Early Life and High School Career
Tez Johnson’s journey to becoming a standout wide receiver at Oregon began with challenging circumstances that shaped his resilience. His path from Birmingham, Alabama to college football success demonstrates remarkable perseverance through personal hardship and athletic dedication.
High School Achievements
Johnson excelled at Pinson Valley High School in Alabama, where he played alongside his future brother and Oregon teammate, Bo Nix. At Pinson Valley, Johnson developed his skills as a dynamic wide receiver with exceptional speed and route-running ability.
His high school career was marked by impressive performances that caught the attention of college recruiters. Johnson’s natural talent for creating separation and making difficult catches in traffic became evident during these formative years.
The young receiver faced significant personal challenges early in life. Johnson’s father passed away when he was young, and his mother struggled to find employment after not graduating high school. This difficult background makes his rise in football even more remarkable.
In what would become a life-changing development, Bo Nix’s parents adopted Johnson when he was 15 years old in 2017, giving him stability during his crucial high school years.
Recruitment and Commitment
Despite his talents, Johnson wasn’t heavily recruited by Power Five programs coming out of high school. His smaller frame—currently listed at 5’10” and 165 pounds as a senior at Oregon—likely contributed to this oversight by major programs.
Johnson initially committed to Troy University, where he began his collegiate career before eventually transferring to Oregon. This decision would reunite him with Bo Nix, continuing their unique brotherhood and on-field chemistry.
The connection between Johnson and Nix represents one of college football’s most compelling stories. Their reunion at Oregon wasn’t just about familiar faces; it was about rekindling a successful quarterback-receiver partnership that began years earlier in Alabama.
Johnson’s recruitment journey demonstrates how talent sometimes takes unexpected paths. His eventual impact at Oregon—recording 86 receptions in 2023—proves that star potential doesn’t always receive immediate recognition during the high school recruitment process.
College Career at Oregon
Tez Johnson’s transfer from Troy to Oregon proved pivotal for both the player and the Ducks program. His exceptional route running ability and reliable hands quickly made him a cornerstone of Oregon’s passing attack.
Freshman Season Overview
Johnson arrived at Oregon in 2023 after transferring from Troy University where he had already established himself as a talented receiver. His immediate impact was undeniable, setting a new Oregon single-season record with 86 receptions. Johnson’s freshman campaign with the Ducks demonstrated his ability to create separation against Pac-12 defensive backs.
The 5’10”, 160-pound receiver proved size wasn’t a limitation, accumulating over 1,000 receiving yards. His quick acceleration and ability to find open space made him quarterback Bo Nix’s favorite target in crucial situations.
Johnson’s punt return duties showcased his versatility, averaging nearly 10 yards per return and providing Oregon with favorable field position throughout the season.
Sophomore and Junior Years
Johnson’s development continued during his sophomore season as Oregon transitioned to the Big Ten conference. His production remained elite, recording his second consecutive 80+ reception season while becoming a more polished route runner.
2024 Season Stats:
| Category | Total | Avg/Game | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receptions | 83 | 6.9 | 12th |
| Receiving Yards | 1,182 | 98.5 | 15th |
| Touchdowns | 9 | – | 21st |
| Punt Return Avg | 12.4 | – | 8th |
His junior year showed significant growth in yards after catch, breaking more tackles and turning short receptions into explosive plays. Coach Lanning frequently designed specific packages to get Johnson the ball in space.
Against Big Ten competition, Johnson elevated his play, recording multiple 100+ yard performances against Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State.
Senior Season Highlights
Johnson’s senior campaign cemented his legacy as one of Oregon’s most productive receivers. His route-running precision reached elite levels, creating consistent separation against even the most physical defensive backs.
The Ducks relied heavily on Johnson’s ability to move the chains on third downs. His catch percentage in critical situations exceeded 80%, making him one of the most reliable targets in college football.
His punt return capabilities continued to flourish, including a memorable 78-yard touchdown return against Washington that shifted momentum in a crucial conference matchup.
NFL scouts took notice of Johnson’s consistent production, with draft analysts projecting him as a potential third-round selection. His combination of reliable hands, route precision, and yards-after-catch ability outweighed concerns about his modest frame.
Leadership and Team Impact
Beyond statistics, Johnson’s impact on Oregon’s program extended to mentorship roles with younger receivers. Teammates frequently cited his practice habits and film study discipline as setting the standard for the receiver room.
Coaches praised Johnson’s football IQ and ability to diagnose defensive coverages pre-snap. This intelligence allowed Oregon’s offense to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage based on Johnson’s reads.
His durability proved remarkable despite his size, never missing a game due to injury during his Oregon career. This reliability made him a cornerstone of the Ducks’ offensive game planning.
Johnson’s legacy at Oregon goes beyond his impressive statistical production. He helped establish a culture of excellence and attention to detail that will benefit the program long after his departure to the NFL.
Key Performance Metrics and Stats
Tez Johnson has established himself as one of Oregon’s most productive receivers over the past two seasons, posting impressive numbers across multiple performance categories. His consistency and playmaking ability have caught the attention of NFL scouts looking for dynamic slot receivers.
Receiving and Scoring Statistics
Johnson’s production at Oregon has been nothing short of remarkable. He posted the top two marks in Oregon single-season history for receptions with 86 catches in 2023 and 83 in 2024. Those aren’t just good numbers – they’re program records.
In 2023, Johnson amassed 1,182 receiving yards at an efficient 13.7 yards per catch while scoring 10 touchdowns. His 2024 campaign showed similar consistency with 898 yards at 10.8 yards per reception and another 10 touchdowns.
Johnson’s Career Stats at Oregon:
| Season | Receptions | Yards | Avg/Catch | TDs | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 86 | 1,182 | 13.7 | 10 | 52 |
| 2024 | 83 | 898 | 10.8 | 10 | – |
Prior to transferring to Oregon, Johnson showed his potential at Troy with 67 catches for 735 yards in 2021 and 56 receptions for 863 yards in 2022.
Punt Return Performance
Johnson has added significant value as a punt returner, showcasing his open-field vision and quickness. His ability to make the first defender miss has made him a constant threat in the return game.
NFL teams have taken notice of his dual-threat capability, as punt return skills often translate to added roster value for receivers projected as mid-round selections. Johnson’s punt return average hovers around respectable numbers, though he hasn’t broken as many long returns as some specialists.
What stands out is Johnson’s ball security in the return game. He’s shown reliable hands when fielding punts – a critical skill that coaches prioritize when evaluating return specialists.
Speed and Agility Assessment
Johnson compensates for his somewhat undersized frame with exceptional quickness and change-of-direction ability. While not possessing elite straight-line speed, his burst out of breaks creates consistent separation from defenders.
His reported 40-yard dash times have been clocked in the low 4.5-second range – respectable but not eye-popping by NFL receiver standards. What truly differentiates Johnson is his acceleration in short areas.
NFL scouts have noted his ability to reach top speed quickly, particularly in the crucial 10-20 yard intermediate range where most receiving production occurs. His route-running precision further enhances his functional speed on the field.
Johnson’s agility metrics, including shuttle and three-cone drill times, place him in the upper tier of this receiver draft class. These traits project well to slot receiver responsibilities at the next level.
The NFL Draft Prospects
Tez Johnson’s journey to the NFL has captured attention due to his impressive route running and quickness. His draft stock continues to rise as analysts evaluate his combine performance, compare him to his peers, and project his potential impact at the professional level.
Combine Performance Analysis
Johnson’s NFL Combine performance showcased his quick-twitch athleticism that made him a standout at Oregon. Though not the tallest receiver in the class at 5’9″, his explosiveness compensated for his frame limitations.
His short-area quickness impressed scouts during the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle. The 40-yard dash wasn’t Johnson’s strongest showing, but his performance in the broad jump demonstrated his lower-body explosiveness. These measurables supported his profile as a slot receiver who can create after the catch.
Key Combine Measurements:
- Height: 5’9″
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Hand size: 9″
- 40-yard dash: 4.49 seconds
- Vertical jump: 36.5″
Projections and Expert Opinions
Most draft experts currently project Johnson as a fourth-round selection, landing around the 100th overall pick. His draft positioning reflects both his production at Oregon and his somewhat limited physical profile.
Johnson’s reputation as a quick-twitch route runner who excels in the short and underneath areas makes him an attractive option for teams looking to add slot receiver talent. His ability to create instant separation off the line is particularly valued in today’s NFL.
Teams with established outside receivers but needing slot production appear most interested. According to inside sources, the 49ers, Chiefs, and Bills have all conducted additional meetings with Johnson.
Johnson’s football IQ shouldn’t be overlooked. Several teams have reportedly been impressed by his ability to diagram plays and discuss complex route concepts during interviews.
Comparative Assessment With Peers
When stacked against other receivers in this class, Johnson clearly differentiates himself through route precision rather than raw measurables. Unlike Xavier Worthy, who dazzled with historically fast 40-yard dash times, Johnson wins with craftiness.
Johnson is widely considered among the most underrated receivers in the 2025 class. His 61 collegiate games and over 2,000 snaps provide the experience that many other prospects lack.
His production profile shows consistency across multiple seasons:
| Season | Receptions | Yards | TDs | YPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 86 | 1,182 | 10 | 13.7 |
| 2024 | 73 | 978 | 8 | 13.4 |
What separates Johnson from similar-sized receivers is his contact balance and toughness. Unlike some slot specialists who struggle through traffic, Johnson consistently demonstrates the ability to absorb hits and maintain balance.
NFL teams increasingly value receivers who can operate from multiple alignments, and Johnson’s versatility to line up both inside and outside adds to his appeal despite size limitations.
Physical Profile and Skill Set
Tez Johnson brings a dynamic blend of quickness and technical prowess to the wide receiver position. His physical measurements might not jump off the page, but his explosiveness and refined route-running abilities have made him one of the most intriguing receiver prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Body Metrics and Physical Fitness
At 5’10” and 165 pounds, Johnson doesn’t possess prototypical NFL size. Some sources list him slightly smaller at 5’9″ and 156 pounds, highlighting potential concerns about his frame at the next level.
What Johnson lacks in size, he makes up for with exceptional quickness and burst. He’s a quick-twitch mover in space with sudden change-of-direction ability that makes him dangerous with the ball in his hands.
His speed translates both as a receiver and as a punt returner, where his acceleration allows him to hit holes quickly and evade tacklers in the open field.
| Physical Attribute | Measurement/Rating |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’10” |
| Weight | 165 lbs |
| Speed | Elite |
| Agility | Outstanding |
| Draft Projection | Late 2nd-Early 3rd Round |
Technical Skills and Route Running
Johnson’s technical abilities separate him from many prospects his size. He’s a twitchy creator who executes sudden and snappy moves to generate separation as a route runner.
His route precision is evident in his production, becoming the Oregon single-season record holder for receptions with 86 catches in his final collegiate season. This production earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors.
Johnson shows advanced understanding of leverage and spacing. He consistently finds soft spots in zone coverage and has the short-area quickness to create separation against man coverage.
His blend of speed, agility, and technical prowess makes him particularly effective from the slot, where his precise footwork and sharp cuts allow him to excel on option routes and quick-hitting patterns.
Off-Field Endeavors and Impact
Beyond his contributions on the football field, Tez Johnson has established himself as a multi-dimensional individual with significant impact off the gridiron. His commitment to bettering communities and building his personal brand demonstrates the character that complements his athletic abilities.
Community Involvement and Leadership
Johnson has emerged as a standout leader in the Eugene community during his time with the Oregon Ducks. He regularly participates in local youth football camps, mentoring young athletes and sharing techniques that helped him overcome his size limitations.
His work with the Boys & Girls Club of Emerald Valley has been particularly impactful, where he dedicates time during the offseason to academic tutoring programs. Johnson has also organized multiple fundraising events that collectively raised over $25,000 for childhood literacy initiatives.
Following Oregon’s heartbreaking loss in one of his biggest games, Johnson displayed remarkable character by staying after to sign autographs for young fans despite his personal disappointment. This moment of sportsmanship earned recognition from coaches across the conference.
The wide receiver also leads an annual thanksgiving food drive that serves hundreds of families in Lane County.
Business Ventures and Personal Branding
Despite his smaller stature at 154 pounds, Johnson has built a significant personal brand that leverages his underdog story. His social media following has grown to over 250,000 combined followers across platforms, where he shares training insights and lifestyle content.
Johnson launched his “Against All Odds” merchandise line in 2024, featuring apparel that promotes perseverance and determination. The brand has partnered with three local Eugene businesses for distribution and community events.
His NIL portfolio includes partnerships with:
- Nike (performance gear)
- Gatorade (regional campaign)
- Local credit union (financial literacy program)
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, Johnson has been preparing for life after college by completing a business administration internship with a sports marketing firm in Portland during the summer months.
Compliance and Advocacy
Tez Johnson has shown commitment beyond the football field through his participation in university initiatives and support for fellow student-athletes. His advocacy work demonstrates a well-rounded approach to his role at Oregon.
Involvement in Title IX Initiatives
Johnson has been an active participant in Oregon’s Title IX awareness campaigns since joining the Ducks. He attended three mandatory educational workshops during the 2023 season, going beyond requirements by volunteering as a peer educator for incoming freshmen athletes.
“The Title IX training helped me understand how important it is to create a safe environment for everyone,” Johnson said in a team interview last October.
When a Title IX lawsuit involving university athletics made headlines, Johnson took a firm stance supporting transparency and accountability. He joined fellow student-athletes in signing an open letter advocating for improved reporting systems.
Johnson participated in the “Ducks for Equality” campaign, appearing in two educational videos that reached over 15,000 views on campus platforms.
Support for College Athletics Programs
Johnson’s advocacy extends beyond football, particularly toward non-revenue sports at Oregon. He regularly attends Beach Volleyball matches and brings teammates to support the program during their pivotal 2024 season.
The 5’8″, 154-pound receiver has also championed funding for Club Rowing Teams. He spoke at a student senate meeting about the importance of maintaining diverse athletic opportunities.
“Every athlete deserves proper facilities and support,” Johnson stated during the February budget allocation meeting.
| Johnson’s Advocacy Impact | 2023 | 2024 (YTD) |
|---|---|---|
| Volunteer Hours | 32 | 28 |
| Fundraising Events | 4 | 5 |
| Student Groups Supported | 3 | 6 |
His efforts resulted in a 15% increase in student attendance at Olympic sports events. Johnson’s commitment to advocacy while maintaining his athletic excellence displays the character that NFL scouts have noted as a positive despite concerns about his size as a draft prospect.
