The Georgia Bulldogs took a major hit in their recruitment efforts after they lost five-star defensive lineman James “JJ” Johnson’s commitment to the Texas Longhorns. According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, the 6-foot-3, 285 lbs star from Fort Myers, Florida, was committed to the Bulldogs since June 28.
As the Longhorns celebrate yet another high-profile win on the trail, college football fans across the country flooded social media with strong reactions.
BREAKING: Five-Star DL James “JJ” Johnson has Flipped his Commitment from Georgia to Texas, he tells me for @rivals
The 6’3 285 DL from Fort Myers, FL had been Committed to the Bulldogs since June 28th
He’s ranked as the No. 1 DL in ‘26 (per Rivals)https://t.co/VeNJnkpzt9 pic.twitter.com/SSRvRwEkIz
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 15, 2025
Fans blew up on social media, with most reactions praising Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian at the expense of Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart.
“LMAOOOOOO SARK OWNS KIRBY” one fan wrote.
“Check cleared. Not shocked,” another added.
“Sark shoving Kirby in a locker?” one user joked.
@GoBucks5240 wrote: “Texas really took over the SEC within a little over a year 😭”
“Texas is so rich,” one fan said.
@BengalYouTube praised the move: “EXCELLENT DECISION YOUNG MAN”
@MatchupTracker posted: “HORNS ARE COOKIN 🧑🍳”
On the flip side, Georgia fans weren’t as impressed:
@UGAFanatic0 added: “Money hungry lmao I guess enjoy losing to Georgia Also.”
James “JJ” Johnson’s Recruitment Profile
James “JJ” Johnson is rated a five-star recruit by all the recruiting sites, including Rivals, On3 and 247Sports Composite. Rivals ranked him No. 10 overall and the top DL in the 2026 class.
Johnson received offers from top football programs, including Georgia, Florida, Miami, Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, and Texas. In late June, after visits to Georgia and Florida, Johnson pledged to Georgia
At the time, in an interview with Rivals’ Chad Simmons, Johnson praised Georgia’s history of producing NFL ready defensive lineman and also spoke about his strong bond with coach Tray Scott.
“Georgia is DLU,” Johnson said. “They are all about development. What made Georgia No. 1 is the way they develop defensive linemen, my relationships with the coaches and the fit into their scheme. They run a great defense that really fits the way I play, so I know I can excel there. That is what it came down to.”
Two weeks later, he has flipped to Texas. He gave his reasons to Rivals while talking about his flip. He said Georgia didn’t feel like home.
“Hook Em. I have committed to Texas,” Johnson told Rivals. “Ever since my first visit to the University of Texas, I had a feeling deep down that it was where I truly belonged — even though I couldn’t fully explain it at the time.
“It wasn’t until I committed to Georgia that I realized something was missing. As much as I respect the program and the staff, it just didn’t feel like home. That realization helped me understand that Texas is where my heart is, and where I see myself thriving both on and off the field.”
Defensive line coach of Texas, Kenny Baker, has to be credited for making him flip from Georgia to Texas.
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