Syracuse Lands Ball-Hawking Florida Safety Terrance Johnson on National Signing Day
Syracuse added another key piece to its 2026 recruiting class on National Signing Day, securing a commitment from American Heritage (Fla.) safety Terrance Johnson. While Johnson may not come with a star rating from the major recruiting services, his on-field production paints a different picture - and it’s one Orange fans should be excited about.
Johnson was named the Broward County 4A-1A Player of the Year after a standout senior season in which he snagged 11 interceptions. That’s not a typo - 11 picks in one season.
That kind of ball-hawking ability doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s a product of instincts, anticipation, and a nose for the football that you simply can’t teach.
He helped lead American Heritage to back-to-back state championships, anchoring a defense that consistently delivered in big moments. The program has become a pipeline for talent, including 2025 ACC Freshman of the Year Malachi Toney - a name Orange fans may already recognize. Now, Syracuse is tapping into that same well.
Despite that production, Syracuse was the only Power Four school to extend an offer to Johnson. He picked the Orange over offers from South Florida, Middle Tennessee, UMass, and Wofford. That kind of under-the-radar pickup has the feel of a potential steal - the type of player who could outplay his recruiting profile and turn heads once he gets to campus.
Johnson visited Syracuse last weekend and clearly liked what he saw. He becomes the 27th member of a 2026 recruiting class that continues to build momentum. The Orange’s class currently ranks 37th nationally and ninth in the ACC - a solid foundation for a program looking to reload and rise in the conference.
Defensively, Syracuse has been focused on reinforcing the secondary, and Johnson is now the fifth defensive back in this class. With key contributors like Duce Chestnut and Devin Grant set to move on after 2025, and Cornell Perry potentially stepping into a bigger role, the Orange are clearly investing in the next wave of talent in the back end.
Johnson may not have the national buzz just yet, but his tape and résumé suggest he’s a player who could make an impact sooner rather than later. For a Syracuse program looking to build depth and playmakers on defense, this could be a savvy addition - one that pays dividends down the road.