JUCO Tight End Josiah Jefferson Talks Oklahoma Visit, Family Legacy and Jim Nagy: ‘Really a Full Circle Moment’

For Josiah Jefferson, the recent trip to Norman, Oklahoma was about much more than football. The junior college tight end from Hutchinson Community College has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the JUCO ranks, and his official visit to Oklahoma offered not only a chance to envision his future on the gridiron but to reflect on his past — one shaped by family, faith, and football tradition.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 240 pounds, Jefferson is an athletic, versatile tight end whose ability to stretch the field and block at the point of attack has drawn interest from numerous Power Five programs. But when Oklahoma came calling, it struck a different chord. The visit, which took place over the weekend, gave Jefferson a look at one of the premier programs in college football — and more importantly, a chance to feel connected to something deeper.

“It was really a full circle moment,” Jefferson said. “To be on the same campus where my brother played and coached, and to talk about my future here — it meant the world to me.”

Jefferson’s older brother, James Jefferson Jr., was once a defensive back at Oklahoma before eventually becoming a graduate assistant under Bob Stoops. And for Josiah, those stories from his childhood finally came to life as he walked through the facilities, met with coaches, and put on the crimson and cream for a photoshoot that brought generations of family memories full circle.

“I used to hear stories about this place all the time growing up,” Jefferson said. “And now to be here, experiencing it for myself, it’s surreal.”

But the visit was more than nostalgia. Jefferson is looking for a place where he can take the next step in his career, and Oklahoma made a strong case. Under head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, the Sooners are in the middle of a transition period — one that emphasizes tight end versatility and toughness.

Jefferson fits the mold.

“They’re building something powerful at Oklahoma,” he said. “You can feel the intensity, the structure, the culture. They believe in physical football. That’s what I love.”

During his visit, Jefferson spent significant time with tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley, whose resume as both a player and developer of NFL-caliber talent stood out. The conversations focused not only on scheme and opportunity but on how Jefferson would be developed as a complete player — one who could run routes, pass protect, and dominate in the red zone.

“He told me exactly how I’d be used,” Jefferson noted. “They showed me cut-ups of guys they’ve coached who made it to the league. It wasn’t just about hype. It was a plan.”

Jefferson’s plan has always been clear: earn everything. Out of high school, he didn’t receive the fanfare many of his peers did. But he refused to give up. His path through junior college has been one of perseverance, growth, and an unwavering belief that the right opportunity would come.

And now, that opportunity seems closer than ever.

“I’m proud of where I came from,” Jefferson said. “Juco taught me how to grind. It showed me what real adversity is like. And it gave me the chance to grow into the man I am.”

That maturity has not gone unnoticed. Jefferson has become a vocal leader on the field at Hutchinson, known not just for his ability but for his willingness to mentor younger players. It’s a trait he credits to his family — especially his brother, James, and his connection to Jim Nagy, the Executive Director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

“Jim Nagy has been like extended family to us,” Jefferson said. “He’s known my brother for a long time. And the advice he’s given me — about staying humble, working hard, and preparing like a pro — it’s meant everything.”

The relationship with Nagy has helped Jefferson stay grounded amid the growing attention. While many players in his position might focus solely on stats or social media hype, Jefferson has remained focused on the long-term goal: becoming a pro, the right way.

“I want to be great,” he said. “But not just on the field. I want to represent my family, my school, and whatever program I choose with pride.”

That sense of responsibility was on display throughout the Oklahoma visit. Whether it was in film sessions, campus tours, or meetings with academic advisors, Jefferson took detailed notes and asked sharp questions. He understands the magnitude of the decision ahead.

“This isn’t just about me,” he explained. “This is about building something for my future family. It’s about legacy.”

That legacy, rooted in hard work and humility, has opened doors. In addition to Oklahoma, Jefferson has received interest from Florida State, Missouri, Ole Miss, and Colorado, among others. But there’s something about the Sooners that keeps pulling him back.

“It just feels right,” he said with a smile. “Everything about the visit clicked. From the way they welcomed my family to the structure of the program — it felt like home.”

Still, Jefferson isn’t rushing the process. With two more official visits scheduled for later this summer, he plans to weigh all his options carefully. His decision, he says, will come down to fit — both on and off the field.

“I want a coaching staff that believes in me and challenges me,” he said. “I want a system that lets me play free, but also disciplines me to grow. And I want a community that embraces me for who I am.”

If his time in Norman is any indication, Oklahoma might just check all those boxes.

As for what’s next, Jefferson remains focused on finishing strong at Hutchinson. He’s coming off a breakout season and is determined to elevate his game even further this fall.

“I’m just scratching the surface,” he said. “There’s so much more I can do. And I’m going to prove that every single day.”

Whether it’s lining up as an in-line blocker, splitting out wide, or making contested catches over the middle, Jefferson has the skill set to thrive at the next level. And with the right support system — including his family, mentors like Jim Nagy, and a potential home like Oklahoma — the sky appears to be the limit.

“God’s timing is perfect,” Jefferson said. “This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. And now, I’m ready to take that next step — wherever it leads.”

The football world will be watching as one of JUCO’s brightest tight end talents prepares to make his decision. And if the Oklahoma visit was any indication, the Jefferson legacy in Norman might be far from over.