Texas Lands Four-Star Defensive Lineman James Johnson After Flipping Him From Georgia In Major SEC Recruiting Shake-Up Moment
Texas football added another massive recruiting win to its 2025 class when four-star defensive lineman James Johnson announced he was flipping his commitment from Georgia to Texas. The decision came after weeks of speculation, behind-the-scenes visits, and growing momentum for the Longhorns, who are now quickly emerging as one of the SEC’s most dangerous recruiting powers. For head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff, it’s a signal of progress, momentum, and validation of their ability to compete at the highest level.
Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound lineman from Buford, Georgia, originally committed to the Georgia Bulldogs early in the 2025 cycle. As a native of the Peach State, he seemed destined to play in Athens under head coach Kirby Smart, joining what has consistently been one of the top defensive lines in the country. His commitment was viewed as another example of Smart’s dominance within the region, particularly in keeping in-state defensive talent home.
But recruiting is rarely final until pen meets paper. Over the summer, Texas began to re-engage with Johnson. Defensive line coach Bo Davis and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski identified him as a top priority target, even though he had already been committed to the Bulldogs. The Longhorns saw the potential to not only add an elite player but to make a national statement: that they could go into SEC territory and pull elite talent from a top rival.
The pitch from Texas was simple but compelling. Johnson would be part of a defensive line rotation that would give him a chance to play early, develop under NFL-caliber coaching, and compete for championships in a conference that now includes both Georgia and Texas. Additionally, the Longhorns made a strong NIL case, emphasizing the brand-building opportunities available in Austin, where the intersection of tradition, resources, and modern college football economics is rapidly attracting elite talent.
Sources close to the recruitment say Johnson’s visit to Austin was the turning point. While it was officially classified as an unofficial visit, it had the feel of a major recruiting moment. He toured the facilities, spent time with current players, met with academic advisors, and had extended meetings with Sarkisian and Davis. The visit, which included his family, reportedly made a strong impression, particularly around the family-first culture being emphasized within the Texas program.
The result? A decommitment from Georgia and a new pledge to Texas. Johnson’s social media announcement included a photo in Texas gear, the Hook ‘Em sign, and a simple caption: “After talking with my family and praying on it, I’ve decided to flip my commitment. I’m 100% locked in with Texas. Hook ‘Em.”
The flip is about more than one player. It reflects a growing trend of national recruits viewing Texas not as a sleeping giant, but as a fully awakened contender. For years, the Longhorns collected hype but often failed to close on major defensive targets. Now, with back-to-back strong classes, multiple defensive line flips, and more national attention than ever, they are starting to win the kind of battles that shape championship rosters.
James Johnson brings immediate value to Texas’ front. A powerful, explosive lineman with excellent hand technique and a relentless motor, he projects as either a 3-technique or strong-side defensive end, depending on the scheme. He’s already built like a college lineman and plays with a maturity that made him a multi-year starter at Buford, one of the top high school programs in the nation. His experience against elite competition and his discipline on the field give him a chance to contribute quickly.
Bo Davis, who has long been one of the most respected defensive line coaches in the country, was reportedly instrumental in the recruitment. Known for his ability to develop NFL talent and connect with players on a personal level, Davis made Johnson feel like a top priority—not just another name in the class. The two bonded over film study, technique sessions, and a shared vision for what Johnson’s career could look like under his coaching.
Kwiatkowski also played a major role, outlining how Johnson would be used in Texas’ multiple-front defense and what kind of packages he would be featured in. He also showed Johnson tape from recent Texas defensive linemen who have gone on to NFL success or developed rapidly within the system. It wasn’t just a recruitment pitch—it was a clear developmental plan.
From the Georgia perspective, this is a frustrating loss. Johnson was viewed as one of the anchors of their 2025 defensive haul, and his flip leaves a hole in a class that was previously considered one of the nation’s best. While Georgia has no shortage of talent and can likely fill the gap with other high-end players, it’s a rare moment where they’ve lost a top-tier commit to a direct conference rival. In recent years, Georgia had been bulletproof on the defensive recruiting front. This shows some cracks in that armor, or at the very least, the rising strength of programs like Texas.
For Sarkisian, Johnson’s commitment adds to an increasingly impressive run of recruiting wins. The Longhorns are surging toward the top of the national rankings for the 2025 class and are building a roster that looks more and more like a true SEC powerhouse. Texas isn’t just recruiting skill players anymore—they’re stacking blue-chip talent in the trenches, which is where championships are won in the SEC.
This flip also matters for perception. In the past, Texas was viewed as a program that couldn’t close—one that flirted with top recruits but lost them late to SEC schools like Alabama and Georgia. Now, the narrative is flipping. Texas is the closer. They’re taking players from the SEC’s elite and doing so with consistency. And as Johnson’s decision shows, elite recruits are no longer content to just follow the same traditional paths. They’re listening, evaluating, and making new decisions based on where they see the best fit for development, exposure, and culture.
Johnson’s flip could also have a ripple effect. Other top uncommitted defensive linemen in the 2025 class are closely watching how programs like Texas are building their front sevens. It’s likely that his commitment will increase interest in the Longhorns among other national targets, especially those who want to play alongside other elite talent in a high-visibility environment. Recruiting is often a momentum game, and Johnson’s decision could spark a chain reaction heading into the fall.
On the field, Texas now has a potential rotation that includes several former blue-chip prospects, experienced veterans, and young stars. Johnson could push for early playing time, particularly if he arrives in shape and adjusts quickly to the college speed. At a minimum, he provides depth and versatility. At best, he becomes an impact player by year two, a name that anchors Texas’ defensive identity as they fight for SEC championships.
Texas fans have already begun celebrating the news, seeing Johnson’s commitment as further proof that their program has turned the corner. The days of mediocrity and false promises are beginning to fade. With recruiting wins like this one, Texas is not just back—they’re building something sustainable. The new SEC is here, and the Longhorns are ready to be a force in it.
There’s still work to do. Texas must continue to win these kinds of battles, stack elite classes, and develop players at a high level. But James Johnson’s flip is a milestone moment—a rare, clean win over an SEC titan in the most competitive arena college football has: recruiting.
As the 2025 cycle unfolds, there will be more twists and turns, more flips and surprises. But one thing is clear: Texas is in the fight, and they’re punching as hard as anyone. And with players like James Johnson now on their side, the future looks very bright in Austin.
