​Florida State football’s ongoing search for a second tight end in its 2027 recruiting class ran into another obstacle this week as Colton Johnson, a three-star tight end target from Baxter, Tennessee, announced his commitment to the Ole Miss Rebels on Thursday. The decision marks a setback for the Seminoles, who had hoped to add more depth at the position after bringing in a strong crop of players on their board. Johnson had officially visited Florida State in June and had been weighing options from several other high-profile programs, including Alabama, Indiana, North Carolina, and Purdue, in addition to Ole Miss. He was the only tight end that FSU hosted on an official visit, underscoring how pivotal that trip could have been for the Seminoles’ recruiting pitch at the position.
According to the 247Sports composite, Johnson is ranked as the No. 633 overall prospect, the No. 34 tight end in the country, and the No. 28 player from Tennessee. While his decision to align with Ole Miss is a blow to Florida State’s plans for 2027, the program isn’t left without options at tight end. Tight ends coach Chris Thomsen already has a commitment from Connor Winn, giving the Seminoles one solid piece at the position. Winn, a three-star prospect, has been committed to Florida State since July 1, 2025, which makes him the program’s longest-tenured commitment and a stable part of the future at the position.
Johnson had a productive junior season at Upperman High School, where he is a multi-sport athlete, also participating in baseball and basketball. In football, he posted 37 receptions for 615 yards and four receiving touchdowns, along with one rushing touchdown. He also contributed on defense as a linebacker, tallying 133 tackles, five tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. His versatility and production at the high school level underscored why he was a coveted target for major programs, even though he ultimately chose Ole Miss.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has long favored a system that deploys multiple tight ends on the field, adhering to a philosophy of versatility and matchup-based creativity. The Seminoles have typically aimed to sign two tight ends per recruiting cycle, a strategy designed to maximize personnel groupings and keep defenses off balance. With Johnson off the board, Florida State will need to recalibrate its 2027 plans and identify another target who can contribute as a reliable pass catcher and blocker in two- and three-tight-end sets.
For Florida State, the loss of Johnson emphasizes the evolving dynamics of 2027 recruiting, where programs across the country are jockeying for a limited pool of mid-to-high-end tight end prospects. The Seminoles will likely renew efforts to identify another capable player who can adapt to Norvell’s system and Thompson’s coaching style, providing the depth and versatility that has become a hallmark of Florida State’s offensive approach.
As the program continues its pursuit of a second tight end in 2027, fans and analysts will be watching which remaining targets rise to the top of the board and how Thomsen and the staff adjust their evaluation criteria to land a player who can contribute immediately while maintaining long-term development. The Florida State community can stay engaged with updates on recruiting momentum, commitments, and positional depth by following ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions from FSUsports-focused outlets and social channels.