One of Tennessee football’s top 2027 quarterback recruiting targets, Jayce Johnson, has committed to a school inside the SEC. However, he won’t be joining the Vols.
Johnson, a four-star signal caller, committed to Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon. He picked the Aggies over Tennessee, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Florida State.
Johnson ranks as 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.
He 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 was the most recent school to host the quarterback. He took a trip to College Station on June 20, which proved to be enough to swing him into the Aggies’ favor. 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.
With Tennessee unable to 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 alongside 2024’s four-star signing Jake Merklinger.
