MEDFORD, Mass. (October 12, 2026) – Sophomore quarterback Nate Johnson of the Tufts University football team has been named the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Offensive Player of the Week following a standout performance in the Jumbos' 20-13 victory over Bowdoin College on Saturday at Ellis Oval.
Making his second career start and first of the 2026 season, Johnson accounted for 304 yards of total offense and scored the decisive touchdown in the closing seconds to lead Tufts to its second consecutive conference victory. The sophomore completed 13 of 20 passes for 178 yards while rushing 12 times for a game-high 124 yards and a touchdown.
Johnson delivered his biggest play of the afternoon when the Jumbos needed it most. Trailing 13-12 with time winding down in the fourth quarter, Tufts took possession and drove toward the end zone in search of the go-ahead score. With just nine seconds remaining, Johnson broke through for a 17-yard touchdown run, putting the Jumbos ahead 18-13. He then connected with senior wide receiver Granville Anderson II on the two-point conversion to extend the advantage to 20-13 and cap the comeback victory.
Tufts will take on Trinity College Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Ellis Oval.
--JUMBOS--
