​Tennessee three-star prospect Colton Johnson announced his commitment to Ole Miss this week after visiting Florida State, Alabama, and other programs. Johnson stands 6’4″ and weighs 235 pounds, playing tight end for Upperman High School in Baxter, Tennessee. Ranked as a three-star by the major recruiting services, he sits at No. 34 nationally at tight end and is among the top 30 players from the Volunteer State. His pledge gives Ole Miss’s 2027 class its 22nd commitment and helps keep the Rebels just outside the top ten nationally in the early hierarchy of recruiting classes.
Beyond football, Johnson is a multi-sport athlete, participating in basketball and baseball in addition to football. In his junior season, he totaled 615 receiving yards and scored four touchdowns, highlighting his ability to contribute as a receiver while also bringing versatility to the field. On the defensive side, Johnson has shown his athleticism by playing linebacker, recording 133 tackles according to MaxPreps, further demonstrating his all-around impact and athletic profile.
Johnson’s recruitment and development story will be watched closely as he transitions into Ole Miss’s program. His arrival adds to a tight end room that will feature veteran leadership from Caleb Odom in 2027, while also benefiting from the presence of transfers Brady Prieskorn from Michigan and Michael Smith from South Carolina. These elements aim to provide a strong foundation for Johnson to grow into a versatile, power-conference-ready tight end in the SEC.
In the broader landscape of the 2027 cycle, Johnson becomes the first tight end commit for Ole Miss in this class, signaling the Rebels’ intent to build a dynamic offensive toolkit around a multi-dimensional tight end who can contribute as a receiver, blocker, and defensive presence when needed. With his size, versatility, and proven production across multiple sports, Johnson has the potential to develop into a valuable asset for Ole Miss as the program continues to shape its depth chart and long-term vision at the position.