Ohio State Fans Call Out Oregon’s Tez Johnson For Rose Bowl Comments at NFL Combine
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is a critical event for draft prospects hoping to make a name for themselves ahead of the NFL Draft. This year’s combine, however, has seen more than just physical testing and interviews; it has sparked a firestorm of controversy, most notably involving Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson. During an interview at the combine, Johnson made some pointed remarks about his experience in the 2024 Rose Bowl, a game in which his Oregon Ducks defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes in a stunning upset.
The comments quickly caught the attention of Ohio State fans, and what followed was a mix of social media outrage, sports commentary, and even some heated exchanges between fans of both teams. For those who were not watching the Rose Bowl that day, it was a game that many expected the Buckeyes to win comfortably. Instead, Oregon dominated the game, securing a 38-27 victory. For Tez Johnson, the game was not only a major personal triumph but also a symbolic win for his team, as the Ducks had been the underdogs going into the matchup.
However, Johnson’s reflections on the victory during his time at the NFL Combine were not well-received by Ohio State fans. His comments, which seemed to add insult to injury for those still licking their wounds from the loss, have fueled a passionate debate over what exactly Johnson meant and whether his words were in poor taste.
Tez Johnson’s Rose Bowl Comments at the NFL Combine
When asked about the impact of the Rose Bowl victory on his draft stock and his career, Johnson expressed pride in the win and the moment it represented for Oregon football. However, he made a specific comment that quickly went viral. According to Johnson, the Rose Bowl victory wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. He mentioned that “it felt good to show Ohio State that we were the real deal, that they weren’t as tough as everyone thought they were.” Johnson elaborated on how many had underestimated Oregon going into the game, but the Ducks proved that they could not only compete with a powerhouse like Ohio State but defeat them in their own backyard.
While Johnson did not outright disparage Ohio State or their players, his tone and the choice of words ignited the fury of Buckeyes fans. Many took his comments as disrespectful, particularly the line about Ohio State not being as tough as everyone thought they were. For a team with such a storied history and championship pedigree, being questioned in this manner felt like an affront to the pride of the program. Some Ohio State fans went as far as accusing Johnson of disrespecting the legacy of the Buckeyes, especially given how the win came on a national stage in front of a massive audience.
The Backlash: Ohio State Fans React
Social media was set ablaze in the hours following the NFL Combine interview. The hashtag #TezJohnson became a trending topic on Twitter, with a mix of anger, disbelief, and jokes about the Oregon wide receiver’s audacity. For Ohio State fans, the sting of the Rose Bowl defeat was still fresh, and Johnson’s comments only seemed to rub salt in the wound.
“I don’t understand how he can say something like that. Ohio State didn’t just lose, they were outplayed by a team that wasn’t supposed to win. For him to come out and act like that’s some kind of validation is just ridiculous,” one fan tweeted.
Others were even more critical. “Tez Johnson can’t beat us again, but he can run his mouth at the NFL Combine? Keep talking, Tez, but we all know who the real football factory is. Good luck with that draft stock when you’ve pissed off half of Buckeye Nation,” another fan posted, in reference to Johnson’s comments about proving Oregon’s legitimacy.
For many, the pain of the loss was still raw, and Johnson’s remarks only added fuel to a fire that had been smoldering for over a month since the Rose Bowl. To them, the game wasn’t just about a loss—it was a symbol of everything they had worked for as a program. Ohio State had been looking to secure a playoff berth and another national title, but the Rose Bowl loss shattered those dreams. Johnson’s comments were seen as rubbing salt into an already open wound, and some fans wondered if he was seeking attention or simply being disrespectful to a team that had dominated college football for years.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
As the fallout continued, several Ohio State players and coaches were asked about Johnson’s comments. While none of them publicly took shots at the Oregon receiver, some did respond diplomatically. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was asked about Johnson’s remarks during a press conference shortly after the combine, and he responded by maintaining a respectful attitude toward Oregon’s victory.
“Look, the Rose Bowl was a tough loss for us, and we take pride in every game we play, but that’s the nature of college football. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,” Day said. “Tez Johnson made a statement, and it’s a part of the game. We’ll move forward and focus on our goals. We’re proud of our program, and we know what we’ve built here.”
Some players were more vocal on social media, though. Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who had been one of the stars of the Buckeyes’ offense throughout the season, tweeted, “We don’t need to talk about it. We know what we’re capable of. Tez can say whatever he wants. We’ll handle it on the field.”
While the comments were somewhat reserved, they still highlighted the underlying tension that Johnson’s words had created. It became clear that the Rose Bowl loss was not just a game to Ohio State fans—it was a symbolic defeat, one that had to be processed before the team could truly move on.
The Oregon Perspective
While the backlash from Ohio State fans was immediate and intense, many Oregon supporters rallied behind Johnson, viewing his remarks as a reflection of the pride he felt after a significant win. For them, the victory over Ohio State was a moment to savor, especially after so many doubted the Ducks’ ability to contend with one of college football’s elite teams.
“I don’t think Tez was trying to disrespect anyone, he was just stating the obvious,” one Oregon fan posted. “We beat Ohio State on their turf. It’s a huge deal for our program. He should be proud of what they accomplished.”
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was also supportive of Johnson, acknowledging the significance of the Rose Bowl win but cautioning against taking any comments too seriously.
“Tez is a competitor. He’s proud of what we accomplished, and rightfully so. We’ve worked hard as a team to get where we are, and that win was a testament to that,” Lanning said in a statement. “I don’t think there’s any malice behind anything Tez said. It’s just part of the competitive nature of the game.”
For Oregon, the win against Ohio State was not just a game—it was a statement to the rest of college football that the Ducks could play with the best of them. Tez Johnson, as one of the leaders on the team, was naturally going to embrace that moment and celebrate it. To many in Eugene, the comments were merely the natural reaction of an athlete who had achieved something special, not an attempt to denigrate Ohio State’s program.
Media Commentary
Sports analysts weighed in on the situation as well. Some viewed Johnson’s remarks as typical trash talk that is common in the world of college football, particularly as players approach the NFL. “At the end of the day, Johnson is trying to build his brand and make a name for himself as he heads into the draft,” said former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Marcus Spears. “It’s not uncommon for players to say things that might ruffle feathers. He’s just showing confidence, even if it comes off as disrespectful to some.”
Others, however, took a more cautious approach, suggesting that Johnson might have been better off keeping his thoughts on the Rose Bowl to himself.
“Trash talk has its place, but there’s also a time to be humble. Ohio State has built a dynasty, and for Johnson to come out and say what he did is a bit over the top,” said former college football coach and commentator Urban Meyer. “It’s one thing to be proud of a win, but there’s no need to call out a program that has been successful for so long.”
Conclusion
In the end, Tez Johnson’s comments at the NFL Combine have ignited a firestorm of emotions, particularly from Ohio State fans who have been left fuming after their team’s loss in the Rose Bowl. While Johnson’s remarks may have been meant to celebrate a hard-fought victory for his team, they have also highlighted the intense rivalry and passion that exists between two of college football’s most prestigious programs. For now, Johnson’s words will likely continue to fuel debates and conversations, as both Oregon and Ohio State fans look ahead to the future—whether that’s in the draft or on the field in future seasons.
As for Johnson, he will have to deal with the consequences of his comments as he prepares for life in the NFL, where the stakes are higher and every word is scrutinized. Whether his comments hurt or help his draft stock remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the Rose Bowl upset will be remembered by fans on both sides for years to come.
