James Johnson, recognized as the nation’s leading defensive lineman by On3, has officially set his college commitment announcement for June 28. The elite recruit from Miami’s Northwestern High is deciding between Florida, Georgia, Miami, and Texas, all vying to secure his signature.
Earlier in the month, Johnson completed official visits to both the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Gators, followed by a recent trip to the Texas Longhorns’ campus. Despite these visits, the Georgia Bulldogs have emerged as the frontrunner in the competitive recruitment.
Georgia Emerges as the Leading Contender
Heading into his commitment day, Georgia appears to be the favorite to land Johnson, who is one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. The Bulldogs have maintained strong momentum throughout the process, with recruiting analysts emphasizing their favorable position.
On3 insiders Chad Simmons and Steve Wiltfong noted through their Recruiting Prediction Machine that Georgia leads in the projections, though they expect the battle to continue vigorously until Johnson’s announcement.
Georgia was the clear favorite at one time for James Johnson, and with Florida, Miami and Texas pushing for the elite defensive lineman in south Florida, we still hear good things around the Bulldogs,
Simmons wrote.
Johnson is set to announce his decision on June 30 and we expect schools to battle up until the time he announces.
—Chad Simmons, Recruiting Analyst
Johnson’s Background and Rankings
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 285 pounds, Johnson transferred to Northwestern High for his senior year after a strong junior campaign at North Fort Myers. In that season, he recorded 60 tackles, including 29 tackles for loss (TFLs), five sacks, and five quarterback hurries over nine games.
Nationally, Johnson ranks No. 47 overall and is the second-best defensive lineman according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which aggregates ratings from four major recruiting services. On3’s recent On300 list places him even higher as the No. 15 overall recruit, the top defensive lineman, and the No. 3 player in the state of Florida.
Implications of Johnson’s Commitment for Recruiting Landscape
Johnson’s commitment will significantly influence the defensive line recruitment battles this cycle, with high-profile programs eager to bolster their front seven. Florida, Georgia, Miami, and Texas each stand to gain a transformative talent, making the announcement highly anticipated in college football circles.
The decision is expected to shape upcoming recruiting dynamics in Florida and beyond, as these powerhouse programs seek to build on their defensive cores with elite talent like Johnson.