4-star DL James Johnson flips to Texas from Georgia

Field Level Media|published: 07/16/2025, 11:47am EDT

Texas Longhorns cheerleaders run flags across the field after a score during the College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on Friday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

Four-star defensive lineman James Johnson changed his mind and said he will play at Texas instead of Georgia.

The previous commitment of Johnson, from Northwestern High School in Miami, was short-lived. He made his pledge to Georgia on June 28 and decommitted Tuesday.

He took official visits to both schools, as well as to Miami, Florida State and Florida over the past six weeks.

The 247Sports composite lists the 6-foot-2, 285-pound prospect as the No. 8 defensive lineman in the Class of 2026.

Johnson's commitment added to an already stellar week for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian.

On Tuesday, Tyler Atkinson, the No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 recruiting class, committed to Texas.

Atkinson, who plays at Grayson High School in Loganville, Ga., is ranked No. 9 overall, No. 1 at his position and No. 1 in the Peach State by the 247Sports composite.

With the commitments of Johnson and Atkinson, the Longhorns' 2026 class now ranks No. 6 in the nation, per the 247Sports composite.

--Field Level Media