One of Tennessee football’s top 2027 recruiting targets is set to come off the board on Sunday.
Rising junior quarterback Jayce ‘Juice’ Johnson will announce his commitment on Aug. 3. He is set to choose between the Vols, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Florida State.
Johnson ranks as a four-star recruit and the No. 61 recruit in the country, according to 247 composite rankings. He is the No. 3 quarterback in the cycle and No. 8 player out of Georgia.
Johnson will serve as quarterback for Lowndes in Valdosta, Georgia, this upcoming season.
“Imposing frame for a prospect who is still 15 years of age. Physically advanced for his age and will more than likely play north of 225-230 pounds at the next level,” 247 National Recruiting Analyst Cooper Petagna wrote in April. “Displays above average athleticism avoiding and escaping pressure in the pocket. Demonstrates adequate mobility as a runner. Flashes excellent arm strength with a tight, abbreviated motion, showing the ability to get the ball out quickly. Flashes some touch on his deep ball but will need to continue to learn how to play with touch and change velocity.
“Would not categorize as stiff, but does possess some upper- and lower-body tightness that can prohibit off-platform ability. Shows a natural gamer demeanor, along with the ability to play within the structure of the offense. Love his trajectory, especially with where he is in his physical development and age. Excelled at the Elite 11 Tampa Regional. Still needs some technical and athletic development, but one of the most physically talented QB prospects in the class at this early stage.”
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Tennessee extended an offer to Johnson in September of 2024. Since then, Johnson took a game day to Knoxville visit in October and another on May 31 this spring. The Vols’ offer was the first of any of his finalists.
However, Texas A&M is the most recent school to host the quarterback. He took a trip to College Station on June 20. He also saw FSU on June 15.
Tennessee has just one commitment in the 2027 class to this point. J.P. Peace, a legacy recruit with the Vols, picked UT in June. He is a three-star linebacker out of West High School in Knoxville.
If Tennessee can’t close the deal with Johnson, Malachi Zeigler is another quarterback to keep an eye on in the 2027 cycle. For the 2026 class, the Vols earned the commitment of the No. 1-ranked player in the entire class, quarterback Faizon Brandon. 2025 brought in the signing of four-star George MacIntyre, who will compete for the starting job this season.
