Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, the top-ranked safety in the 2027 class and one of the most electric two-way athletes in the country, has narrowed his recruitment to six powerhouse programs: Miami, Oregon, Texas, USC, LSU, and Notre Dame.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound standout from Cathedral Catholic in San Diego isn’t just the No. 1 safety in his class according to multiple outlets-he’s also one of the most complete football players in the nation, regardless of position. Whether he’s flying downhill to make a tackle, flipping his hips in coverage, or breaking off a 60-yard touchdown run, Fa’alave-Johnson plays with a rare combination of physicality, vision, and football IQ.
A Dominant Two-Way Force
Last season, Fa’alave-Johnson put up the kind of numbers that turn heads across the country. Offensively, he rushed for 1,265 yards and 21 touchdowns on just 128 carries-an eye-popping 9.9 yards per attempt-while adding 35 receptions for 564 yards and seven more scores. That kind of production isn’t just impressive; it’s the stuff that makes college coaches rethink how they might use a player once he gets on campus.
And then there’s the defense.
Fa’alave-Johnson recorded 38 tackles, four pass breakups, and two interceptions, showcasing the kind of range and instincts that separate elite safeties from the rest of the pack. He reads plays like a seasoned vet and closes space in a flash, whether he’s patrolling the deep third or crashing the box.
Recruiting Landscape: Six Finalists, Two Front-Runners
With his final six schools now public, the recruiting battle is heating up. USC and Oregon are considered early favorites, and it’s easy to see why. Both programs are geographically close to home, have strong track records of developing NFL talent in the secondary, and offer the kind of high-profile stage that matches Fa’alave-Johnson’s game.
USC, in particular, has been in the mix for a while and at one point was seen as the likely landing spot. Oregon, meanwhile, has built a reputation for elite defensive back play and could be positioning itself for a late surge. Still, the door is far from closed for the other four contenders.
Texas, Miami, LSU, and Notre Dame all bring something unique to the table-whether it’s defensive pedigree, national exposure, or the opportunity to be a program-changing player from day one.
Spring Visit Schedule Locked In
Fa’alave-Johnson’s updated visit schedule gives us a clearer picture of how this recruitment could unfold:
- Miami: March 5-7
- Oregon: March 14-15
- Texas: March 28-29
- USC: April 4
- LSU: April 18-19
- Notre Dame: April 24-25
Notably, Ohio State and Alabama-two schools that were previously on his spring visit list-didn’t make the final cut. That’s a significant development, especially considering both programs are perennial contenders for top-tier defensive talent.
What’s Next?
With visits lined up and the spotlight growing brighter, the next few months will be pivotal in Fa’alave-Johnson’s recruitment. Wherever he lands, he has the potential to be a game-changer on both sides of the ball. But make no mistake-his future is likely in the secondary, where his instincts, range, and physicality could make him a Day 1 contributor and a future first-round pick.
For now, all eyes are on March and April as Fa’alave-Johnson hits the road and takes a closer look at the programs vying for the No. 1 safety in the nation. One thing’s for sure: whoever wins this recruiting battle isn’t just getting a top prospect-they’re getting a cornerstone.