 For his final remaining season of eligibility, in 2008, Johnson had to compete with anticipated recruit and Bakersfield junior college transfer Jacob Bower for the starting position.In 2008, he was named Tulsa's starting quarterback, and he led the Golden Hurricane to an 11–3 record.After his performance against New Mexico, in which he completed 24 of 39 passes for 469 yards and six touchdowns, he was named a Conference USA Co-Offensive Player of the Week.