Free Safety Tao Johnson Sees Differences In Utah Preparing For 2025 Season
Aug 8, 2025, 3:24 PM | Updated: 4:00 pm
SALT LAKE CITY—As Utah football attempts to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign, one of the team’s key defensive leaders, free safety Tao Johnson, is stepping into a bigger role — both in performance and presence.
After moving to the spot last season, he enters his second season at free safety and third as a starter. Johnson has high expectations and has enjoyed the increased competition in camp this fall.
He’s also taken on the responsibility of not just sharpening his own craft, and helping elevate the standard across the secondary.
Utah safety Tao Johnson sees a difference this year
After back-to-back seasons falling below the program’s championship expectations, Johnson feels the pressure — and embraces it.
“It feels critical, especially for myself, a lot of older guys on the team—two back-to-back seasons like that, that’s not who we are,” Johnson said. “We’re going to get this turned around, we’ll take the burden, we’ll take all that pressure on us, we love it.”
That accountability isn’t just talk. According to Johnson, the energy throughout the roster — from returning leaders to new contributors — is palpably different. And it starts with what’s happening on the other side of the ball, under center.
“Well, one, we’ve got a healthy quarterback, a great one too,” Johnson said. “A competitor at the helm, he’s doing a great job commanding the offense.”
Practices have turned into daily battles between an attacking offense and a confident defense, sharpening both units.
“Practices have been so competitive this year, it’s a healthy back-and-forth battle,” Johnson said. “We’re a very sound defense, we play man to a lot of stuff, we’ve seen a lot of stuff, but they even trip us up. They’re really creative, they give us different looks, and they’ve got great athletes. They probably have the best athlete touching the ball every play.”
Is Tao Johnson primed for a breakout season?
As a returning starter with a full year in Morgan Scalley’s system under his belt, Johnson is operating at a higher level — physically and mentally.
“I feel a crazy level-up in the speed of the game,” he said. “Being able to recognize pre-snap things, I’m moving around the field faster and more confidently.”
That confidence is being noticed by coaches and teammates alike. Johnson’s instincts and range on the back end are giving Utah flexibility in coverage, allowing the Utes to play more aggressive man concepts and get creative with blitz packages.
But for Johnson, the individual improvement is only part of the equation. It’s also about connection, especially in the secondary.
“The defense, especially the starters, we’re all so tight, we’re all best friends,” Johnson said. “But Rab is my dog, we spend so much time on and off the field together, we’re constantly trying to get better, and trying to be the best safety duo.”
“Rab” is senior strong safety Rabbit Evans, another key piece in Utah’s veteran defense.
Together, the two have brought energy and leadership to a defense looking to reestablish its identity as one of the most disruptive units in the country.
Safety Pride is alive and well, according to Johnson
Johnson’s own development is crucial to this season’s outlook. However, those around him will also play an important role in the overall success of the team, and it starts with his running mate.
“Rabbit came in and he’s got the complete skillset, he could guard, he could hit, he could tackle, everything,” Johnson said. “Now, he’s developing as a smart football player; he’s developed some great habits, and has just gotten better and better.”
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One of the bright spots for the future of the program and safety position specifically is true freshman Nathan Tilmon.
“When you talk about the next great safety to come out of Utah, that’s going to be able to do everything: playing in the box, defend the post, guard, tackle, all of that — that’s him.”
Redshirt sophomore safety Jackson Bennee has created quite the storyline this offseason. From walk-on to potential starter, Johnson credits Bennee’s hunger and work ethic.
“Bennee is a literal embodiment of what it looks like to come to Utah and develop,” Johnson said. “When he got here, he didn’t know how to backpedal. Now, he’s a starter, he’s a one. He’s smooth, he’s athletic, he’s smart.”
But Johnson said it’s not just about physical tools. The reason he believes in Jones is what goes on behind closed doors.
“Bennee is an addict; he’s addicted to getting better. Every day he’s working with Scalley, asking one of us to watch film, and I have all the trust in the world in him.”
With Johnson leading the charge, there’s a renewed edge heading into 2025. Utah’s secondary may once again become one of the nastiest — and most disruptive— units in the Big 12 this season.
