His First Two Pointer All Season Won the Game. His First Words Were About Jesus.

High Point Basketball Star Chase Johnston Credits God After Historic NCAA Tournament Upset Over Wisconsin

High Point University guard Chase Johnston gave all glory to God after the 12th seeded Panthers pulled off the first March Madness upset of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, defeating fifth seeded Wisconsin 83 to 82 at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon on March 19.

Johnston, 26, scored the go ahead basket with just 11.7 seconds remaining, a fast break layup that was remarkably his first two point field goal of the entire season. The sharpshooter had gone 0 for 4 from inside the arc all year, making his living behind the three point line where he shot 47.1 percent.

But the Panthers' historic run was built on more than basketball. The team rallied around John 15:13, a Bible verse that became their defining motto throughout the season.

"We built our team off of a Bible verse... there's no greater love than this than to lay down one's life for one's friend. That means when adversity hits, are you going to fold or you still going to have belief in the brothers." Chase Johnston

Appearing on the "Wake Up Barstool" podcast the morning after the upset, Johnston made his faith the centerpiece of the conversation. He told millions of viewers that his identity goes far beyond the basketball court.

"I'm not just a basketball player... I'm one that's a follower of Jesus Christ, that just wants to proclaim His name wherever I go. If it wasn't for Him, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you guys." Chase Johnston

Johnston finished with 14 points, including four three pointers, to lead the Panthers to the biggest win in program history. High Point, affiliated with the United Methodist Church and based in North Carolina, had never won an NCAA Tournament game before Thursday's stunner.

Even Johnston's jersey number carries Gospel significance. He wears number 99 as a reference to the parable of the shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find the one that is lost, a symbol of God's relentless pursuit of every soul.

Chase Johnston Proclaims Jesus Christ on National Television After Making March Madness History

The Panthers were eventually eliminated Saturday by the University of Arkansas in the Round of 32, but Johnston's response to defeat was equally powerful. He maintained that his trust in God extends beyond the scoreboard.

"I trust God not just in the good but in the bad. Suffering is so good for us as followers of Jesus." Chase Johnston

Looking ahead, Johnston expressed his desire to pursue pastoral ministry after basketball, aiming to lead "by example, being a servant like Jesus was and just loving people."

The Crusader's Opinion

In a world where athletes kneel for every cause except the Cross, Chase Johnston stood on national television and told millions of people that Jesus Christ is the reason he exists. Not his NIL deal. Not his brand. Not his "platform." Jesus. A 26 year old college basketball player just did what most megachurch pastors are too afraid to do: proclaim the Gospel with zero apologies on secular media. His jersey number preaches the parable of the lost sheep to every arena he walks into. His team motto is straight from the mouth of Christ. And when they lost, he didn't curse God, he praised Him. This is what Christian manhood looks like. The world is desperate for men like Chase Johnston.

Take Action

• Share this story: Post Chase Johnston's testimony on your social media. The mainstream sports world barely covered his faith. Make sure every Christian in your circle sees it.
• Pray for Christian athletes: Lift up believers in professional and collegiate sports who face enormous pressure to stay silent about their faith. Pray for boldness like Johnston's.
• Support campus ministry: High Point University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Consider supporting Christian campus organizations like Cru, InterVarsity, or Fellowship of Christian Athletes that help student athletes grow in faith.
• Donate: Support Christian outreach and the defense of the faith at The Shepherd's Shield.
• Talk to your kids: Use Chase Johnston as an example for the young men in your life. Show them what it looks like to give God the glory in victory and defeat alike.