LSU starting quarterback Max Johnson is leaving the program and his brother Jake Johnson — the No. 1 tight end recruit in the class of 2022 — will not be stepping foot on campus after the recent coaching change. Max, who just finished his sophomore season, has entered the transfer portal. Jake, meanwhile, publicly decommitted after pledging to the Tigers in April.
Max and Jake both tweeted out statements simultaneously at 7:13 p.m. ET announcing their decisions on Tuesday night. Jake Johnson noted that he still plans on enrolling early at his next destination. Considering the timing, Max Johnson would also potentially be able to be on a new campus by spring 2022, and both brothers could easily land at the same location.
The decision comes one week after Brian Kelly was introduced as the Tigers new coach, replacing national title winner Ed Orgeron. Kelly is still in the process of putting together his staff, but Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees turned down an opportunity to lead the offense in Baton Rouge to stay in South Bend.
While LSU limped out to a 6-6 record in a tumultuous 2021 season, Max Johnson emerged as a star in the Tigers’ offensive system. Johnson threw for 2,815 yards, 27 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing more than 60% of his passes. He should be one of the better transfer quarterbacks on the market.
His decision leaves a hole on the depth chart at quarterback. Previous starter Myles Brennan turned to the transfer portal after missing the 2021 season with a broken arm. The backup was true freshman Garrett Nussmeier, who completed 50.9% of his passes for 329 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in four appearances to retain his redshirt. The only other scholarship quarterback projected onto the roster in 2022 will be five-star quarterback recruit Walker Howard from Lafayette, Louisiana.
Max and Jake are the sons of former Super Bowl champion quarterback Brad Johnson, who led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII. Brad played college football at Florida State. Additionally, the brothers went to Oconee County High School in Georgia, just 8.1 miles from the University of Georgia. Jake holds offers from some of the best schools in the country including Florida, Georgia, Clemson, Alabama and Michigan.
