Nate Johnson (quarterback)

Nate Johnson (born January 11, 2004)^[1] is an American football quarterback who most recently played for the Utah Utes. He previously played for the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Utah Utes.

Nate Johnson

Utah Utes
Position	Quarterback
Class	Junior
Major	Pre-Business
Personal information
Born:	(2004-01-11) January 11, 2004 (age 21)[1] Clovis, California, U.S.
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight	196 lb (89 kg)
Career history
College	Utah (2022–2023) Vanderbilt (2024) Utah (2025–present)
Bowl games	2024 Birmingham Bowl
High school	Clovis (Clovis, California)
Stats at ESPN

Early life and high school

Coming out of high school, Johnson was rated as a four-star recruit, where he decided to commit to play college football for the Utah Utes.^[2][3]

College career

Utah (first time)

Johnson finished his first career season with the Utes in 2022 with five carries for 51 yards and two touchdowns, while also throwing for a touchdown in a limited three games.^[4] In week one of the 2023 season, Johnson attempted four passes while also rushing for 45 yards in a win over Florida.^[5] In week two, Johnson entered the game in relief after starting quarterback Bryson Barnes struggled. He led the Utes on a game-winning drive completing six of his seven pass attempts for 82 yards while also rushing for 32 yards and a touchdown, as he helped the Utes beat Baylor.^[6] In week three, Johnson get his first career start as he completed 13 of his 21 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 71 yards and a touchdown in a win over Weber State.^[7] In week ten versus Arizona State, Johnson rushed for a 59-yard touchdown in a victory.^[8] Johnson finished the 2023 season with 499 yards and three touchdowns through the air, while also rushing 59 times for 235 yards and four touchdowns.^[9] After the conclusion of the 2023 season, Johnson decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal.^[10][11]

Vanderbilt

On December 17, 2023, Johnson announced that he was transferring to Vanderbilt.^[12]

On December 4, 2024, Johnson announced that he would enter the transfer portal for the second time.^[13]

Utah (second time)

On December 31 2024, Johnson announced his return to Utah.^[14]

Statistics

Season	Games			Passing								Rushing
	GP	GS	Record[a]	Comp	Att	Pct	Yards	Avg	TD	Int	Rate	Att	Yards	Avg	TD
Utah Utes
2022	4	0	—	1	1	100.0	16	16.0	1	0	564.4	5	51	10.2	2
2023	8	3	2−1	39	72	54.2	499	6.9	3	0	126.1	59	235	4.0	4
Vanderbilt Commodores
2024	9	1	—	1	3	33.3	12	4.0	0	0	66.9	8	94	11.8	1
Utah Utes
2025	0	0	–	0	0	0.0	0	0.0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0.0	0
Career	21	4	2−1	41	76	53.9	527	6.9	4	0	129.6	72	380	5.3	7

1. Accounts for only GS as a QB. Johnson has also started a game at WR.

References

1. @Shaboinate3 (January 11, 2025). "Blessed to see 21🎉🎂🎊 Thank you lord for another year" (Tweet). Retrieved January 13, 2025 – via Twitter.
2. Newman, Josh (August 12, 2021). "Meet Nate Johnson, a quarterback, a sprinter — and Utah football's top Class of 2022 recruit". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
3. Feldman, Bruce (July 9, 2021). "Utah lands a gem in quarterback Nate Johnson, 'the best athlete on the field'". The Athletic. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
4. Bodkin, Michelle. "Nate Johnson No Longer With Utah Football, Intends To Transfer". KSL Sports. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
5. Coles, Joe (September 12, 2023). "'It's a blessing': After leading Utes to comeback win, Nate Johnson excited for new opportunity". Desert News. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
6. "Nate Johnson Ignites Late Surge, Helps Utah Avoid Upset Against Baylor". Sports Illustrated. September 9, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
7. Walden, Eric (September 16, 2023). "Utah rolls Weber State 31-7 in QB Nate Johnson's first start". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
8. Holt, Chandler. "Landen King, Nate Johnson Extend Utah Lead Over ASU Sun Devils". KSL Sports. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
9. Grayson Murray, Elijah (November 30, 2023). "Nate Johnson Sheds Light on His Decision to Leave Utah". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
10. Coles, Joe (November 26, 2023). "Utah quarterback Nate Johnson will transfer". Deseret News. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
11. VanHaaren, Tom (November 26, 2023). "Utah QB Nate Johnson says he intends to enter transfer portal". ESPN. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
12. "Nate Johnson, QB from Utah, commits to Vanderbilt from transfer portal". The Tennessean. December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
13. Truax, Barkley (December 4, 2024). "Vanderbilt QB Nate Johnson plans to enter transfer portal". On3.com. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
14. @Shaboinate3 (December 31, 2024). ""When they sleep on you, tuck them in. Coming back home "" (Tweet) – via Twitter.

External links

• Utah Utes bio
• Vanderbilt Commodores bio