Colton Johnson Commits to Ole Miss Football

Why This Commitment Matters for Upperman

Upperman junior tight end Colton Johnson has chosen to continue his college career with Ole Miss after announcing his decision on X on July 9. The 6‑foot‑4, 230‑pound prospect is a three‑star recruit ranked No. 28 among Tennessee’s 2027 class according to the 247Sports Composite. His name appeared on the radar of several Power‑Five programs early in the cycle, including Tennessee, Alabama, Indiana, Ohio State and Oregon. Schools such as Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Florida State and Ole Miss had previously offered him a scholarship before he made his commitment.

Johnson’s recruitment picked up momentum in the spring after his junior season tape circulated. In a March interview with The Tennessean he explained that “once my junior film got out there, (offers) started coming in.” At the time he mentioned that a handful of schools reached out during the 2025 season, but the surge of interest arrived after the tape became public.

Season Statistics and All‑State Recognition

During the 2025 TSSAA season Johnson recorded 37 receptions for 615 yards and four touchdowns on offense. On defense he amassed 133 tackles and earned Region 4‑4A Defensive MVP honors. He also captured a TSWA All‑State selection at linebacker, adding depth to his résumé as a two‑way player. Upperman finished the year 9‑3, advancing to the second round of the playoffs before falling to eventual Class 4A champion Alcoa.

Dual‑Athlete Impact in Basketball

Off the football field Johnson is a standout on the basketball court, averaging 12.4 points per game and 9.5 rebounds while shooting 54.4% from the field. His performance helped the Bees reach the Class 3A state semifinals this season. He has expressed appreciation for the extra attention the recruitment buzz has brought to the school, noting that it has raised awareness of Upperman’s athletic programs.

What the Ole Miss Offer Means

Johnson is believed to be only the second Upperman athlete to receive an FBS scholarship offer, marking a significant milestone for the program. The commitment to Ole Miss places him among the elite prospects in the state and gives him a platform to develop his tight‑end skills at a major conference school. Looking ahead, his combination of size, production and defensive versatility could keep him in national recruiting discussions as the next recruiting cycle unfolds.