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2026 QB Michael Johnson commits to Utah

hunterby:Hunter Shelton•06/10/25•

HunterShelton_

Utah Helmet
(Icon Sportswire / Contributor PhotoG/Getty)

Hampton (Ga.) Dutchtown three-star quarterback Michael Johnson has committed to Utah, he announced on Tuesday.

A one-time Mississippi State commit, Johnson chose the Utes while also holding offers from Purdue, UCF, Cincinnati, West Virginia and others.

He is the No. 805 overall prospect and No. 50 QB in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 90 player in Georgia.

Head coach Kyle Whittingham and the Utes are beginning to find some momentum on the recruiting trail. Johnson was the first commitment of the day for the Big 12 program and was followed by Lake Oswego (Ore.) three-star running back LaMarcus Bell not long after. On Monday, La Quinta (Calif.) cornerback Major Hinchen chose the Utes.

The addition of Johnson is massive as the Utah staff looks to continue adding pieces to the puzzle in Salt Lake City. As a junior for Dutchtown, Johnson threw for 2,700 yards and 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions. He also ran for an additional 584 yards and 10 scores in nine games played.

Johnson ranks as the No. 4 signal-caller in the Peach State this cycle. After winning seven games last season, Dutchtown will look to compete for a state title this fall with Johnson behind the wheel for his senior campaign.

Utes add two big commitments to 2026 class

Johnson was in Salt Lake City for his official visit over the weekend. So was Bell, the other new addition to the class. A former Oregon State pledge, Bell is On3’s No. 39 running back in the cycle and the No. 2 player in Oregon.

“The family feeling they have there was a big part of my commitment,” Bell told On3’s Chad Simmons. “The bond between the coaches and players are so genuine… It just feels like one big family. My relationship with coach Atuaia was a big factor too. He has a plan for me and I definitely want to compete with him.”

Utah’s 2026 class now features five commits. League City (Texas) Clear Falls three-star linebacker Preston Pitts committed on April 21. Meridian (Idaho) three-star LB LaGary Mitchell made the call on June 2.

Last cycle, Utah inked the nation’s No. 41 class, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. That was good for No. 6 in the Big 12. The Utes will look to crack the top-40 this December.