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Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson is known for his college sports expertise. He co-hosts the “Split Zone Duo” podcast and co-authored The Sinful Seven: Sci-fi Western Legends of the NCAA. Richard was the 2022 winner of the Edward Aschoff Rising Star Award, and previously appeared as an analyst on the SEC Network show “Thinking Out Loud.” He established an early career with ESPN and SB Nation before joining Sports Illustrated in 2021 and lives in Brooklyn.

Articles From This Author

The logo of the Clemson Tigers is seen on a football helmet during the second half of the game between the Boston College Eagles and the Clemson Tigers at Alumni Stadium.
College Football

Clemson’s Lawsuit Turns Up the Heat on an ACC Already in Hot Water

By Richard Johnson
A general view of the College Football Playoff logo on a case on the Washington Huskies sideline before the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game between the Texas Longhorns and the Washington Huskies at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Jan. 1, 2024.
College Football

CFP Expansion Discussions are Not Rooted in Competition But in Money

By Richard Johnson
Duke Blue Devils forward Sean Stewart (13) dunks over Dartmouth Big Green guard Romeo Myrthil (20) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, on Nov. 6, 2023.
College Basketball

Dartmouth Men’s Basketball Team’s Vote to Unionize Shows Significant Step Forward

By Richard Johnson
USC quarterback Caleb Williams talks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on March 1, 2024.
College Football

NFL Combine: Caleb Williams Opens Up Amid Speculation

By Richard Johnson
Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs after a catch during the third quarter as Auburn Tigers take on Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.
College Football

Brock Bowers Wants to Follow Rob Gronkowski’s NFL Path

By Richard Johnson
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after coming up with an interception in the first quarter of the Rose Bowl game against Michigan.
College Football

Alabama Finally Looks Vulnerable Amid Transfer Portal Frenzy

By Richard Johnson
Young was the first quarterback to ever win the Heisman Trophy for the Crimson Tide.
College Football

All-Saban Team: Bryce Young, Derrick Henry Highlight Best Players in Nick Saban Era

By Richard Johnson
Washington Huskies head football coach Kalen DeBoer looks on during the national championship game against Michigan.
College Football

Sources: Alabama Focusing on Three Front-Runners for Head Coaching Job

By Richard Johnson
Baker's three-pronged proposal was just supposed to be a starting point for NCAA reform.
College

NCAA President Charlie Baker’s Bold Proposal Could Spur Transformative Changes

By Richard Johnson
Nick Saban holds up his arms, while holding a hat and a water bottle after a game.
College Football

Nick Saban’s Revolutionary Impact Will Be Felt Long After He’s Gone

By Richard Johnson
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. grimaces in pain during CFP title game
College Football

Washington’s First Taste of Defeat Doesn’t Go Down Smoothly

By Richard Johnson
Washington’s Kalen DeBoer, Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh pose in front of 2024 College Football Playoff trophy.
College Football

College Football Execs Punt on Changing Structure of New 12-Team Playoff

By Richard Johnson
J.J. McCarthy stands looking to the side; Michael Penix Jr. Stands with his hands on his hips
College Football

2024 CFP National Championship Picks: Styles Clash in Washington-Michigan Matchup

By Pat Forde and Richard Johnson
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy during a practice session before the national championship game.
College Football

National Championship Features Two Opposing Offensive Powerhouses

By Richard Johnson
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy and head coach Jim Harbaugh embrace on the field after winning the Rose Bowl.
College Football

Third Time’s the Charm: Michigan Finally Shakes Off Playoff Woes

By Richard Johnson
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh shake hands at the Rose Bowl coaches press conference.
College Football

Catapult Clarifies Security Investigation Ahead of CFP

By Richard Johnson
Michigan quarterback Alex Orji runs against Ohio State.
College Football

Alex Orji Does Best Jalen Milroe Impression for Michigan's Scout Team

By Richard Johnson
Michigan offensive lineman Trevor Keegan and coach Jim Harbaugh.
College Football

NIL’s Next Era Looks Like Michigan Football’s Lakers Outing

By Richard Johnson
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban talks with a reporter at halftime of the SEC championship game against Georgia.
College Football

Alabama Taking Precautions to Prevent Michigan Sign Stealing Before Rose Bowl

By Richard Johnson
Washington and Texas offenses will face off in the Sugar Bowl.
College Football

Sugar Bowl Matchups: Washington, Texas Offenses Will Bring Plenty of Firepower

By Richard Johnson
Michigan and Alabama offenses will go head to head.
College Football

Rose Bowl Matchups: Daunting Defenses Await Top QBs in Michigan vs. Alabama

By Richard Johnson
Florida State football players pose in celebration after winning the ACC championship.
College Football

Source: Florida State to Escalate Search for ACC Exit Options

By Richard Johnson
Florida coach Billy Napier with his arms crossed
College Football

Florida, Billy Napier Hang Their Hopes on the High School Player of the Year

By Richard Johnson
LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels throws against Texas A&M.
College Football

Who to Watch in Every 2023 College Football Bowl Game

By Richard Johnson
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders
College Football

Deion Sanders's O-Line Overhaul Is Underway

By Richard Johnson
Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. celebrates a Pac-12 championship.
College Football

Transfer QBs Have Come for the Heisman, and They’re Here to Stay

By Richard Johnson
Jim Harbaugh celebrates Michigan’s 2023 Big Ten championship with his players.
College

Michigan Working on Jim Harbaugh Contract Extension

By Richard Johnson
NCAA president Charlie Baker speaks during the NCAA Convention in San Antonio.
College

Answering the Big Questions About NCAA’s New NIL Proposal

By Pat Forde and Richard Johnson
Travis Hunter, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jayden Daniels are 2023 Sports Illustrated All-Americans
College Football

Sports Illustrated’s 2023 College Football All-Americans

By Pat Forde and Richard Johnson
Florida State kicker Ryan Fitzgerald is lifted by Alex Mastromanno after kicking a field goal against Louisville during the second half of the ACC championship.
College Football

10 Most Interesting Non–College Football Playoff Bowl Games

By Pat Forde and Richard Johnson
michael penix
College Football

2024 Sugar Bowl Quick Picks: Washington Underestimated Once Again vs. Texas

By Pat Forde and Richard Johnson
Jim harbaugh and Nick saban shake hands
College Football

2024 Rose Bowl Quick Picks: Alabama Defense Tests a Polished Michigan Team

By Pat Forde and Richard Johnson
Kalen DeBoer and Steve Sarkisian lifting conference trophies.
College Football

Sugar Bowl Preview: Washington Ready to Play the Underdog Card Against Texas

By Richard Johnson
Jim Harbaugh and Nick Saban running out of the tunnel.
College Football

Rose Bowl Preview: Dominant Michigan to Face Tough Test From Battle-Tested Alabama

By Richard Johnson
Alabama football players celebrate winning the 2023 SEC championship over Georgia by hoisting a trophy.
College Football

Alabama Dethrones Georgia, Kick-Starts the Great Playoff Debate

By Richard Johnson
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy looks to pass
College Football

College Football Week 14 Picks: Michigan Expected to Blow Iowa Away

By Pat Forde and Richard Johnson
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck embraces kicker Peyton Woodring after a made extra point.
College Football

Alabama vs. Georgia May Look Familiar, but This SEC Championship Promises to Be Different

By Richard Johnson
USATSI_21989055
College

How Could Arkansas Football Rehire Bobby Petrino? With a Loophole.

By Richard Johnson
James Madison coach Curt Cignetti
College Football

What We’re Hearing About College Football’s Coaching Carousel

By Richard Johnson
Mike Elko stands in Duke gear on the field
College Football

Sources: Duke’s Mike Elko to Become Texas A&M Head Coach

By Pat Forde and Richard Johnson
roydell williams
College Football

CFB Week 13 Takeaways: Rivalry Week Delivers Fireworks

By Richard Johnson
Texas A&M football coach Jimbo Fisher looks on during warm ups before a game against Mississippi State.
College Football

College Football Coaching Carousel: Hot Seat Updates Going Into Rivalry Week

By Richard Johnson
jj mccarthy (2)
College Football

College Football Week 13 Watchability Index: Rivalry Weekend Provides Loaded Slate

By Richard Johnson
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck.
College Football

What We Learned From CFB Week 12: Georgia’s Offense Explodes, While Washington Grinds It Out

By Richard Johnson
Michigan football players pose for photographers after winning the 1,000th game in program history.
College Football

College Football Week 12 Takeaways: Title Contenders Avoid the Traps

By Richard Johnson
Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh
College

Michigan Believed Deal Was Possible to Reduce Harbaugh Suspension—Until New Info Emerged

By Richard Johnson and Michael Rosenberg
Georgia receiver Ladd McConkey carries the football after a catch during a game against Ole Miss.
College Football

CFB Watchability Index: Georgia’s Road SEC Tilt Leads Week 12 Slate

By Richard Johnson
LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels
College Football

What We Learned From CFB Week 11: Daniels Dazzles, Michigan Marches On

By Richard Johnson
Jimbo Fisher coaching Texas A&M
College Football

The Numbers Behind Jimbo Fisher’s Pricey Texas A&M Buyout

By Richard Johnson
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates with quarterback Ty Simpson (15) during the fourth quarter of the game against Kentucky.
College Football

CFB Week 11 Takeaways: Georgia, Alabama Bound for SEC Title Game

By Richard Johnson
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