Oregon defensive back Tysheem Johnson announces plans for 2024 season

Oregon starting defensive back Tysheem Johnson will be back for his senior season with the Ducks in 2024.

During Thursday’s Fiesta Bowl press conference, Johnson told James Crepea of The Oregonian/OregonLive that he intends to return in 2024, rather than enter the NFL Draft.

That’s big news for the Ducks, who are in the process of replacing two starting safeties — Evan Williams and Steve Stephens IV.

In his debut season in Eugene, Johnson established himself as one of the Ducks’ most valuable — and versatile — players. He led all Oregon defenders with 747 defensive snaps and split time at nickel and safety.

In 13 games, Johnson racked up 68 total tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, two interceptions, and six pass deflections.

A former 4-star signee, Johnson was the No. 234 overall player and No. 16 safety in the 2021 class. He began his career at Ole Miss before transferring to Oregon last offseasons.

More on Oregon’s offseason outlook

Few programs in all of college football experienced a greater amount of transfer portal activity than Oregon did during the 2023 cycle.

A total of 30 Oregon scholarship players entered the portal during the previous two transfer windows — 21 in the winter and nine in the spring. Meanwhile, the Ducks added 14 scholarship players during that same period.

Many of their portal additions — including receiver Tez Johnson, cornerback Khyree Jackson, safety Evan Williams, and right tackle Ajani Cornelius — locked down starting jobs and played key roles during the 2023 season.

This offseason, Oregon will once again look for opportunities to improve its roster by way of the portal.

While speaking with reporters during a Fiesta Bowl media availability on Dec. 3, Oregon coach Dan Lanning was asked which players he expects to enter the portal during the offseason.

“There will certainly be some announcements. I think that’s going to exist on every single team,” Lanning said. “I’ve talked to those guys individually. On the same note, that’s their opportunity to be able to announce that. So I think you’ll see some guys that aren’t with us anymore. And they’ve been phenomenal here for the Ducks, and wishing them nothing but the best. But out of respect for them, I’m going to give them the opportunity to make that announcement.”

Track transfer portal activity

While the NCAA transfer portal database is private, the On3 Network has streamlined the reporting process tracking player movement.

If you find yourself asking, ‘How can I track transfer portal activity?’ our well-established network of reporters and contacts across college athletics keeps you up to speed in several ways, from articles written about players as they enter and exit the transfer portal or find their new destination, to our social media channels, to the On3 Transfer Portal.

The transfer portal wire provides a real-time feed of player activity, including basic player profile information, transfer portal ranking and original On3 Industry recruiting ranking, as well as NIL valuation (name, image and likeness).

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.