BeaversEdge Top 25 For 2025: No. 16 Gabarri Johnson
In the months leading up to the start of fall camp, BeaversEdge.com will be counting down the Top 25 Oregon State football players on the 2025 roster. Want to give your two cents on the rankings? Subscribe to BeaversEdge.com to join The Dam Board and weigh in on the conversation. We continue with quarterback Gabarri Johnson, who checks in at No. 16.
Gabarri Johnson
Quarterback
Bio
No. 5
5-foot-11, 190-pounds
Rs-Sophomore
Tacoma, Wash.
Lincoln HS
2024 Stats: 3 GP (season-ending injury)
2024 (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN)
• Played in six games
• Completed 15-of-29 passes attempted for 174 yards. Rushed for 106 yards on 26 attempts, scoring one touchdown
• Ran for 47 yards on six carries with one touchdown in the win over Washington State
• Passed for 106 yards on nine completions at Air Force
MISSOURI
• Did not play as a true freshman in 2023. Redshirted
LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL
• Rated four stars by Rivals coming out of Lincoln High School
• Noted as the No. 3 player in the state of Washington by ESPN and Rivals
• Led Lincoln to a 11-1 record as a senior, reaching the 3A state quarterfinals. Lincoln went 22-1 against district competition during his four-year career
• Passed for 2,050 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior. Rushed for 1,458 yards and 19 touchdowns
• Threw for 2,222 yards and 28 touchdowns to just two interceptions his junior year. Also rushed for 737 yards and 15 touchdowns
• Passed for 1,515 yards as a sophomore in 2020. Threw for 18 touchdowns while rushing for 129 yards and one score
Johnson 2024 Recap
In his first season with the Beavers after transferring from Missouri, Johnson competed for the starting QB job along with Gevani McCoy and Ben Gulbranson in the preseason. He was largely third on the depth chart for most of the season, but ended up playing in six games. Johnson finished 15-of-29 passes attempted for 174 yards and ran for 106 yards, scoring one touchdown. He saw his most action in the Beavers’ loss to Air Force, playing 38 snaps.
While he is still developing as a passer at the collegiate level, Johnson’s dual-threat ability really stood out in 2024. He’s also flashed moments of being able to make the big-time throws, he just needs more experience. After not playing at all his redshirt season with Missouri, the 2024 campaign was a good experience for Johnson, but he’ll look to further grow and elevate his game in 2025.
Johnson 2025 Outlook
Entering the 2025 season, the situation is undoubtedly different for Johnson. Because the Beavers have Maalik Murphy under center, there isn’t the pressure on him to perform like there was last season, and that’ll greatly help his development. Looking back at what he accomplished in high school, there’s no doubt Johnson has the tools to succeed; he just needs experience and to refine his game as a passer.
Murphy’s growth throwing the football will come in time, but, as far as his role this year, look for the Beavers to carve out a niche for him that utilizes his mobility. Because he is so shifty and quick with the ball in his hands, the Beavers may draw up several packages with him under center, perhaps even throwing in the occasional pass.
