Oregon football fans will miss center Jackson Powers-Johnson. “JPJ” anchored the best offensive line in college football for two-straight seasons, protecting former quarterback Bo Nix, while bringing positivity and tenacity to the locker room.

The highest-drafted center in Oregon football history, Powers-Johnson was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 44 pick.

Overwhelmingly, the Las Vegas Raiders fan base is thrilled with the new addition, as the plan is for JPJ to start at right guard as a rookie.

“I don’t see any way he is not starting week one at right guard,” Hondo Carpenter, beat reporter for Las Vegas Raiders SI said in an exclusive podcast. “This is an old school Raider. This is a kid that would play with a leather helmet if they let him. Raider Nation is jacked up, this is one of their own.”

“This is like a guy that was made in the lab for (the Las Vegas Raiders),” Carpenter continued.

JPJ and the 2024 Raiders rookie class brings a wave of fresh air to a franchise already energized by the hiring of new head coach Antonio Pierce. A former NFL linebacker, Pierce started as Las Vegas’ linebackers coach in 2022. As interim coach last season, Pierce captivated the locker room with his tenacious leadership style and captivated the fanbase with his personality.

“It feels like the Raiders are back to being the Raiders. It’s almost like for the last 20 years they have wandered in the wilderness, trying to find an identity that they had lost. Along comes Antonio Pierce, who grew up a Raider, is a Raider, personifies the Raiders…” Carpenter said.

“It’s why JPJ just fits. He is their kind of guy: violent, nasty, mean. That is what the head coach says he wants and that is JPJ.”

Powers-Johnson has already played in Allegiant Stadium during the 2023 PAC-12 Championship against the Washington Huskies. He hopes to experience more wins in the new NFL stadium.

Known for his intense competitiveness and tough demeanor on the field, Powers-Johnson has a sense of humor for the ages.

Jackson Powers-Johnson left a distinguished legacy at the University of Oregon, setting milestones as the first Duck and Pac-12 player to win the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best center. His accomplishments include being named a unanimous All-American, with first-team honors from the AFCA, Associated Press, FWAA, Sporting News, and Walter Camp.

Powers-Johnson anchored an Oregon offensive line that led the nation with just five sacks allowed in 2023. He led all FBS centers in overall (84.3) and run-blocking (85.2) grade by Pro Football Focus in 2023, while ranking second in pass-blocking grade (90.6). He allowed just one pressure and zero sacks in 471 pass-blocking opportunities.

The spring transfer portal is officially closed, but players who entered while the portal was open are still able to find their next destinations and take their time in doing so. One player soon to find their next home is a former Florida State defensive end.

Josh Griffis, who has spent time with three different programs at various levels since transferring from Florida State a few years ago, will be continuing his college career at Oregon State. He announced the news on social media on Saturday evening.

READ MORE: Former FSU Stars Keon Coleman, Trey Benson, Tatum Bethune, and Renardo Green Get Their NFL Draft Calls

Griffis, a former three-star recruit and Florida State defensive end, left the Seminoles in 2021. He played briefly for Garden City Community College before joining Deion Sanders at Jackson State. He appeared in six games for the Tigers, totaling five tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one quarterback hurry.

After the season, Coach Prime took his talents to Colorado — where he’s been heavily involved in the news cycle since — leaving Griffis and many other former Jackson State players in the transfer portal. This was after Griffis spent time in JUCO after being dismissed from Florida State.

The former Seminole then transferred to Tarleton State, where he finished with 13 total tackles, nine solo tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles during his 2023 college football campaign.

Now headed to Oregon State, Griffis is headed to a unique situation. The program has been left high and dry after the Pac-12 dissolved, with its members dispersing across the Big 12 and Big Ten. Now, with just two programs remaining in the conference, Oregon State has an arrangement with the Mountain West to fill out their 2024 college football schedule.

Griffis is technically joining a power conference, though the Pac-12 is a thing of the past and they’re playing a very weak schedule compared to the Power Four — involving the Big 12, Big Ten, ACC and SEC. The former Seminole has had a very unique college football career path.

READ MORE: FSU AD Michael Alford Possibly Hints At Big 10 Move During Chicago Boosters Event

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the offseason.

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The Big Ten Conference is loaded with excellent running backs with a chance to electrify in the 2024 football season. Talent in this conference includes a dynamic duo, new faces and breakout stars. Ranking the top-three running back rooms:

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

It’s no secret that Ohio State does a great job bringing in some of the best talent in the nation and the running back position is no exception. Heading into 2024, the Buckeyes have arguably the best two-headed running back monster in college football with senior TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins.

Henderson has had some difficulty staying on the field over the course of his career but he’s absolutely not lacking talent. In his lone healthy season as a freshman in 2021, Henderson racked up 1,248 rushing yards on a remarkable 6.8 yards per carry.