4-star OT Johnnie Jones names top 6 schools

Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep four-star offensive tackle Johnnie Jones is taking the next steps in his recruitment, naming his top six schools on Wednesday.

Jones told On3’s Hayes Fawcett that UCLA, Ole Miss, Penn State, Florida State, Colorado and Vanderbilt are the remaining contenders to land him.

The 6-foot-7, 315-pounder has already taken official visits with the Buffaloes and Rebels, and currently has two more scheduled with the Nittany Lions and Seminoles next month. Miami, which was considered a major contender in his recruitment, appears to be on the outside looking in after landing Five-Star Plus+ offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell.

NEWS: Four-Star OT Johnnie “DJ” Jones is down to 6 Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’7 315 OT from Bradenton, FL is ranked as the No. 8 OT in the ‘26 Class (per On3)

Where Should He Go? ⬇️https://t.co/ZZckssWeAM pic.twitter.com/8Kw6mB8DsU

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 29, 2025

As it stands right now, Jones doesn’t have any school on top in his recruitment.

“Everyone is equal right now,” he told On3’s Steve Wiltfong last month. “I won’t have a leader until the end of June.”

Rebels had a great visit with Jones, others will try to top it

Last month, he made his way out to Oxford and spent the weekend with Ole Miss. They made a strong impression and have been one of his top schools for some time.

“Coach (John) Garrison is more of the relationship aspect and being able to coach guys a certain way to have them playing at their best, not always having to yell or scream,” Jones said of the Rebels.

The Nittany Lions, meanwhile, have had recent success in Florida and also have a major history of offensive line success to show him. His connection with OL coach Phil Trautwein is as good as any he has.

“It’s a strong relationship,” Jones previously told Blue-White Illustrated. “We pretty much talk about football, sports and life. I like how he’s explained what the O-line room is all about and what gives them fuel to the fire. I also like how the style of the O-line is just dominant. They get people out the way and protect the quarterback, while also having an extremely tough run game.”

As for what will ultimately help him decide where he wants to go, relationships and the coaching staff are paramount to Jones.

“One of the main factors for me is relationships,” Jones told On3’s Chad Simmons this spring. “Another thing is that I’m definitely going to pray about my decision to make sure I feel good. The last thing is that I want to see myself being in the city and living there.” 

He checks in as On3’s No. 81 overall prospect and No. 8 offensive tackle in the 2026 class.