Colton Johnson gives Ole Miss something it wanted early in the 2027 cycle: a tight end who can shape the rest of the class.
He’s the first tight end commitment in the Rebels’ 2027 group, and that matters because the position has become such a valuable piece in modern offenses. Getting that spot filled now gives the staff room to build around a player who can affect both the passing game and the run game.
Johnson brings a sturdy frame at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, and he’s not limited to one job. He can block with force, finish plays, and also threaten the field as a receiver. That kind of all-around profile gives Ole Miss flexibility, whether he’s lined up in-line or used as an H-back.
There’s also a defensive edge to his game. Johnson logged 133 tackles in his junior season as a linebacker, and that background clearly helped shape him into the physical tight end he is now.
He had plenty of choices before landing on Ole Miss. Johnson drew 50 offers, including Alabama, Florida State, North Carolina and Purdue. He also played in high-stakes games, with his teams regularly reaching the playoffs and competing for championships.
Ole Miss also stood out to him for reasons beyond football alone. Johnson has noted publicly that the Rebels’ culture, player development and winning mentality played a part in his decision.
For Ole Miss, the commitment is about more than adding another name to the board. Caleb Odom and Brady Preiskorn won’t be in Oxford forever, and Johnson gives the Rebels a chance to keep the position strong without waiting years for help from veterans. He can learn behind established players before moving into a bigger role.
In that sense, Johnson looks like the kind of versatile piece championship-caliber programs chase. And for Ole Miss, landing him could help keep the momentum going with other prospects.
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Now comes the part that will define his Ole Miss run. Perkins is back for his senior season after choosing college over the NFL Draft, and the expectations around him are as high as they have ever been. With preseason All-America and All-SEC recognition already in hand, he enters 2026 with a chance to turn a strong career into a truly complete one, and to make sure his final season is the one that shapes how pro teams view him. [Read more 🡒]