In a major twist that’s sending ripples through the college football recruiting world, five-star defensive back James Johnson has flipped his commitment from the Georgia Bulldogs to the Texas Longhorns. The move comes as a surprise to many, especially given Johnson’s long-standing pledge to Georgia and the program’s recent dominance in developing elite defensive talent.
Johnson, a consensus top-10 national prospect in the 2025 class, initially committed to Georgia nearly nine months ago, choosing the Bulldogs over Texas, Alabama, and Ohio State. Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Johnson is widely regarded as one of the most complete defensive backs in the country, known for his elite ball skills, fluid hips, and physicality in man coverage.
But after months of speculation and continued recruiting pressure, Johnson announced on social media that he was officially flipping to Texas, citing a strong connection with the Longhorns coaching staff and his belief in the program’s direction.
> “After deep conversations with my family and prayers, I’ve decided to flip my commitment to the University of Texas,” Johnson posted. “Coach Sarkisian and Coach Gideon have made me feel like a priority from day one. I believe in their vision, and I’m excited to be a Longhorn.”
This marks a huge win for Texas, who continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail as it prepares for its second season in the SEC. With Johnson now in the fold, the Longhorns’ 2025 class takes a significant step forward in both national ranking and defensive firepower. He joins a rapidly growing list of top defensive recruits who are choosing Texas over more traditional powers.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has emphasized the need to bring in elite-level talent on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the secondary, as the Longhorns face increasingly high-powered offenses in the SEC. Johnson’s commitment addresses that need head-on and further legitimizes Texas as a rising powerhouse in the new SEC landscape.
For Georgia, the flip stings. The Bulldogs have consistently been one of the top recruiting programs in the country, especially under head coach Kirby Smart, a defensive specialist. While the program is still loaded with talent, losing a five-star defensive back this late in the process is a rare miss for Georgia’s staff, and they’ll now have to regroup as they look to fill the void left by Johnson’s departure.
Recruiting analysts point to Johnson’s official visit to Austin last month as a turning point. Sources say he came away “blown away” by the campus atmosphere, facilities, and how he would be used in Texas’s defensive schemes.
Ultimately, the move reflects the ever-evolving and unpredictable nature of recruiting. As the NIL era continues to reshape college football, relationships, opportunity, and long-term vision often outweigh early commitments.
For now, it’s a major celebration in Austin—and a tough pill to swallow in Athens.