Oregon Tight End Jamari Johnson Speaks Openly About New Role

Johnson looks to build on impressive 2025 season and lead young tight end group.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:15am by

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements of a tight end, with sharp geometric shapes and bold colors capturing the energy and intensity of the position.Jamari Johnson's leadership and continued growth will be key for an Oregon offense looking to build on its success.Eugene Today

Oregon tight end Jamari Johnson, after an impressive 2025 season with the Ducks, now becomes the leader at his position following the departure of star Kenyon Sadiq to the NFL. Johnson spoke openly about stepping into a leadership role, working with the younger tight ends, and his goals for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

With Oregon's offense returning several top stars, Johnson's development as a leader and continued production at tight end will be crucial to the team's success. As the Ducks look to replace Sadiq's production, Johnson's experience and mentorship of the younger tight ends will be key.

The details

Johnson recorded 32 receptions for 510 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. He spoke about learning from Sadiq, accepting a leadership role, and working with new tight end additions Kendre Harrison and Andrew Olesh. Johnson also discussed his personal goals, including improving his blocking and route running to prepare for the NFL.

  • Johnson spoke following Oregon's spring scrimmage on Saturday.
  • The Ducks' spring game is on the horizon.

The players

Jamari Johnson

A tight end for the Oregon Ducks who had an impressive 2025 season and is now the leader of the position group.

Kenyon Sadiq

The former star tight end for Oregon who departed for the NFL after the 2025 season.

Kendre Harrison

A new tight end addition to the Oregon roster who Johnson is mentoring.

Andrew Olesh

Another new tight end at Oregon who transferred from Penn State and is learning the Ducks' offense.

Dante Moore

The Oregon quarterback whose growth and development Johnson praised.

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What they’re saying

“So many, but one is training. Everybody in this facility harps on it, and it's just a standard here. It's like him from last year, that man strained his guts out almost every play. I just feel like I got to do the exact same thing or even more to uphold the standard.”

— Jamari Johnson, Oregon Tight End

“It just changed because obviously Kenyon leaving somebody has to step up and be a leader in the room, and me being one of the older guys, it just happens to be me. I just accepted that role, and I actually kind of like it, getting these young guys going, getting them in the playbook and getting them used to college football.”

— Jamari Johnson, Oregon Tight End

“Both good dudes, they both got that dog in them. Andrew, he came from Penn State. He's been coming along well, getting in the playbook. Kendre, he's a big, tall guy, getting in the playbook too. They've been getting after it, man. It's been good taking them under my wing. Hopefully, we just get going this year.”

— Jamari Johnson, Oregon Tight End

“Yesterday, that touched my heart, man. Just all of us going out there, and it wasn't even just for Dakorien. It was really for Oregon. It was just more for Dakorien because we see him every day. That really touched my heart, and the connection is just unbelievable. I don't think many people are doing that for their teammates.”

— Jamari Johnson, Oregon Tight End

“That guy has his head on his shoulders at all times. He's been growing consistently, but it's a couple of different things. I probably can't name them right now, but he's been having his head on his shoulders. He's just been on the climb.”

— Jamari Johnson, Oregon Tight End

What’s next

The Ducks will hold their annual spring game in the coming weeks, giving Johnson and the rest of the team a chance to showcase their progress ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Johnson's emergence as a leader and continued development as a tight end will be critical for an Oregon offense looking to build on its success. His mentorship of the younger tight ends and focus on improving his all-around game suggest he is poised for a big season as the Ducks' top option at the position.