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James Johnson, the No. 1 DT in the 2026 class, flips from Georgia to Texas

Joe Cookby:Joe Cook•07/15/25•

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James Johnson 2 copy 1
James Johnson (Photo by Chad Simmons/On3)

Not one. Not two. Not three. Texas has gone into the Southeast for all four of its defensive tackle takes in the 2026 cycle. 2026 Miami (Fla.) Northwestern defensive tackle James Johnson has committed to Texas.

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Johnson, the No. 1 defensive tackle in Rivals’ rankings, flipped from Georgia.

Johnson’s pledge is a shocking win over Georgia, who earned a pledge on June 28. Texas also was able to outlast the Hurricanes in a pursuit where the hometown team did have its own built-in advantages.

While at Texas for his official visit last week, Johnson felt wanted by Steve Sarkisian and the rest of the Texas staff.

“They really showed me a lot more this time compared to my last visit,” Johnson told Inside Texas. “It felt like they really want me here. I love the development they offer, and that’s what I’m looking for.”

The effort put into the recruitment by defensive tackles coach Kenny Baker was pivotal for Johnson.

“What really stood out was coach Kenny Baker. He really wants to coach me,” Johnson said. “I love the way he teaches and breaks things down. He was showing me how they run the defense, running over to plays and explaining things in detail.”

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Johnson is ranked as the No. 42 overall prospect, the No. 1 defensive tackle, and the No. 8 player in Florida in the Rivals Industry Ranking. On3 ranks Johnson as the No. 10 overall prospect, the No. 1 defensive tackle, and the No. 2 player in Florida.

Texas defensive tackle commits

James Johnson, DT, Miami (Fla.) Northwestern
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 42 overall
Rivals Ranking: No. 10 overall

Vodney Cleveland, DT, Birmingham (Ala.) Parker
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 142 overall
On3 Ranking: N/A (four-star)

Dylan Berymon, DT, Monroe (La.) Ouachita Parish
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 207 overall
On3 Ranking: N/A (three-star)

Corey Wells, DT, Petal (Miss.)
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 269 overall
On3 Ranking: N/A (three-star)

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