Four teams are vying for Larry Johnson’s services as one of the top defensive tackle targets in 2026.
When it comes to the 2026 recruiting class, few defensive tackle prospects are generating more excitement than Larry Johnson. A 6-foot-4, 295-pound mauler from Charlotte, North Carolina, Johnson is already turning heads with his blend of raw power, explosive get-off, and technique that belies his youth. As a consensus five-star recruit and one of the most coveted defensive linemen in the country, Johnson is firmly in the sights of several powerhouse programs.
At this early stage of the recruiting cycle, four teams have emerged as frontrunners for Johnson’s signature: Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas. Each brings its own unique recruiting pitch, coaching pedigree, and defensive scheme, making the battle for Johnson’s commitment a storyline to watch as the 2026 cycle heats up.
Let’s dive into each program’s angle, their respective strengths, and what makes Larry Johnson such a tantalizing prize for any college football roster.
Before assessing the programs, it’s essential to understand just why Larry Johnson has become such a prized recruit.
At 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds, Johnson boasts an ideal frame for a modern defensive tackle. His game is built on a rare combination of size and athleticism. On tape, he flashes a quick first step that allows him to penetrate gaps and create havoc in the backfield. His hand usage is advanced for a player his age, showcasing the ability to disengage blockers and chase down plays from behind.
In addition to his physical gifts, Johnson’s motor is relentless. He’s known for playing through the whistle and making plays that don’t show up on the stat sheet, like occupying multiple blockers or disrupting the timing of an opponent’s passing game.
Scouts across the country have been wowed by his performances on the camp circuit and during his junior season at West Charlotte High School. Johnson racked up 72 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks as a junior, earning first-team All-State honors and establishing himself as one of the top five defensive tackle prospects in the nation.
Nick Saban may have retired, but the standard in Tuscaloosa remains as high as ever. Alabama’s recruiting machine never stops, and new head coach Kalen DeBoer has wasted no time establishing himself on the trail.
For Alabama, landing Larry Johnson would be a statement. The Tide’s pitch revolves around their proven track record of developing defensive tackles into NFL draft picks. Over the last decade, names like Quinnen Williams, Da’Ron Payne, and Christian Barmore have become synonymous with Alabama’s dominance in the trenches.
DeBoer has emphasized that Johnson would be the next great Tide lineman, and the opportunity to play for defensive line coach Freddie Roach—known for his player-friendly approach and eye for talent—is another major selling point.
Moreover, Alabama’s defensive scheme is a perfect fit for Johnson’s skill set. The Tide utilize multiple fronts, and Johnson’s ability to play both as a traditional three-technique and as a nose tackle in odd fronts makes him a versatile piece for Alabama’s defense.
Johnson has already taken an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa this spring, and sources close to his recruitment say the Tide have made a strong impression. The chance to compete for national championships and prepare for the NFL is hard to ignore, and Alabama is banking on its brand and player development track record to sway Johnson’s decision.
No program in the country has done a better job developing defensive line talent in recent years than Georgia. Kirby Smart has turned Athens into a factory for first-round defensive linemen, and it’s no surprise that the Bulldogs are making a strong push for Johnson.
Under defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann and line coach Tray Scott, Georgia has produced a parade of monsters up front, from Jordan Davis to Jalen Carter. The Bulldogs’ attacking 3-4 scheme puts a premium on defensive linemen who can both eat up blocks and make plays in the backfield—a role tailor-made for Johnson.
For Johnson, the appeal of Georgia is twofold: immediate competition for titles and the chance to be part of one of the most feared defensive fronts in college football. Smart has emphasized to Johnson that Georgia’s culture—physicality, toughness, and discipline—would make him a centerpiece of their defensive identity.
Johnson visited Athens in March and came away impressed with Georgia’s facilities and the family atmosphere around the program. Insiders say the Bulldogs have put themselves squarely in the mix, with Johnson’s family also appreciating Georgia’s commitment to player development and academic support.
If there’s one program with a reputation that rivals Georgia’s for defensive line play, it’s Ohio State. Led by veteran defensive line coach Larry Johnson Sr. (no relation to the recruit), the Buckeyes have consistently churned out NFL-caliber linemen.
For Larry Johnson, the chance to be coached by a legend like Johnson Sr. is a major draw. The elder Johnson is known for his technical expertise and for building close, mentorship-focused relationships with his players. Names like Nick Bosa, Chase Young, and Dre’Mont Jones all came through the Buckeyes’ system, and Johnson could be the next in that lineage.
Ohio State has been aggressive in its pursuit of Johnson, hosting him for an unofficial visit during their spring practices. Head coach Ryan Day has personally been involved, underscoring how much the Buckeyes value Johnson’s potential impact.
Another factor that could work in Ohio State’s favor is scheme fit. The Buckeyes are shifting toward more aggressive fronts under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, and Johnson’s explosiveness and motor would be an immediate asset. Additionally, Columbus’s proximity to Charlotte could be appealing to Johnson’s family, who’ve emphasized the importance of being able to see him play in person.
The Longhorns are on the rise, and their move to the SEC has only intensified their efforts to build a dominant defensive front. Steve Sarkisian has prioritized adding top defensive talent, and Texas sees Larry Johnson as a cornerstone of their SEC transition.
Texas defensive line coach Bo Davis is widely respected as one of the best in the business, and his track record—both at Texas and Alabama—gives the Longhorns a compelling pitch. Davis has emphasized to Johnson that he’d be a featured piece in Texas’s evolving defense, with the chance to make an immediate impact.
The Longhorns also offer a compelling off-field package: elite facilities, the excitement of playing in Austin, and a program on the cusp of returning to national relevance. For Johnson, who has said he wants to be part of “something special,” the opportunity to help Texas re-establish itself as a national contender has serious appeal.
Johnson has expressed interest in taking an official visit to Texas this summer, and sources indicate that the Longhorns are planning to roll out the red carpet. Texas’s approach has been all about relationships, with multiple coaches reaching out regularly to build a bond with Johnson and his family.
So, what will ultimately sway Larry Johnson? Like many elite recruits, he’s weighing a complex set of factors:
- Player Development: All four schools have proven they can develop NFL talent. Johnson wants to maximize his potential, and the chance to be coached by some of the game’s best line coaches is a central theme.
- Scheme Fit: Johnson is a versatile defender, but he wants to be in a scheme that lets him attack and disrupt. Georgia and Alabama’s multiple-front systems, Ohio State’s aggressive approach, and Texas’s SEC blueprint all give him chances to showcase his skill set.
- Culture and Fit: Johnson’s family has emphasized the importance of a strong team culture and a supportive environment. Georgia’s family-first atmosphere, Alabama’s championship culture, Ohio State’s tight-knit D-line unit, and Texas’s big-time buzz are all appealing in different ways.
- Academics and Life After Football: Johnson is also thinking about life beyond football. All four schools offer strong academic support and alumni networks, and Johnson has taken a keen interest in each program’s academic resources.
- Proximity to Home: While not a make-or-break factor, proximity to Charlotte does give Ohio State and Georgia a slight edge geographically.
At this point, Johnson has not set a firm commitment timeline, though sources say he’d like to make a decision before the start of his senior season. That would allow him to focus on his final high school campaign without the weight of recruiting looming over him.
As of late May, the buzz is that Georgia and Alabama are slightly ahead, with Ohio State and Texas lurking close behind. Georgia’s ability to sell immediate playing time and a proven defensive line track record resonates strongly, while Alabama’s legacy and coaching staff have built significant momentum.
Ohio State remains a dark horse, buoyed by Johnson’s respect for Larry Johnson Sr. Texas, meanwhile, is banking on its SEC future and the chance to be part of something new and exciting.
The summer will be pivotal for Johnson’s recruitment. He’s expected to take official visits to all four schools, and those trips will give him a chance to see each program up close.
For now, Johnson is saying all the right things publicly—praising each program’s culture, facilities, and NFL pipeline. But behind the scenes, he’s focused on finding the place where he feels most at home. His family has been deeply involved, and they’re taking a measured approach, wanting to ensure that Johnson finds the best fit both on and off the field.
As one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the 2026 class, Johnson’s decision will send ripples across college football. Whichever team lands him will be getting not just a dominant force in the trenches but a player whose leadership and work ethic will elevate the entire locker room.
Larry Johnson’s recruitment highlights the fierce competition at the top of college football. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas know that landing an elite defensive tackle is about more than just one player—it’s about setting the tone for a championship-level defense.
For Johnson, the next few months will be a whirlwind of visits, phone calls, and hard decisions. Each program will make its final pitch, showcasing not just its facilities and NFL ties but its vision for how Johnson fits into its defensive plans.
And while the recruiting world will be watching closely, for Larry Johnson, it’s about finding the perfect home—where he can chase national titles, prepare for the NFL, and grow as a young man.
