Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson wins Rimington Trophy

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Jackson Powers-Johnson is the best center in college football.

Oregon’s center won the Rimington Trophy on Friday, becoming the first winner of the award in program history. Powers-Johnson beat out Michigan’s Drake Nugent and Georgia’s Sedrick Van Pran for the award, presented annually to the most outstanding center in college football.

“We are very proud of Jackson for earning this outstanding honor as the best center in college football,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said in a statement. “This is something he has put a tremendous amount of effort towards, and combined with his special talents the results speak for themselves. Jackson has done a terrific job for us this season, both on the field and as a leader within our program. He has grown so much as both a player and a person and is incredibly deserving of this award.”

Hroniss Grasu (2013 & 2014) and Max Unger (2008) were previous Rimington Trophy finalists from UO, but Powers-Johnson stands alone as the winner.

In his first year as a full-time starter, Powers-Johnson leads all FBS centers in pass-blocking grade (91.3), overall grade (83.2) and run-blocking grade (83.1) by PFF and has not allowed a sack and just one pressure allowed in 471 pass-blocking opportunities.

A first team all-Pac-12 selection by both the coaches and Associated Press, Powers-Johnson leads an Oregon offensive line that is among the finalists for the Joe Moore Award. The Ducks have allowed the fewest sacks (5) in the country, is tied for fourth nationally in tackles for loss allowed (42), and is the nation’s highest-graded (91.3) pass-blocking team by Pro Football Focus.

“There’s no one more deserving. I am proud of the work and leadership JPJ has shown since he stepped foot on campus,” Oregon offensive line coach A’Lique Terry said in a statement. “I remember talking with his dad during his recruiting about this very moment and for him to be here a few years later as the Rimington Trophy winner is a testament to his consistent work ethic and mindset to be his best self daily. Thankful and proud of JPJ for helping lead our room all year and being consistent in his play of physicality and dominance no matter the circumstances, and it now leading to his recognition as the best center in the country. Forever grateful for JPJ.”

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