Texas Defensive Tackle Lavon Johnson Enters NCAA Transfer Portal

Lavon Johnson, a defensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns, has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal after just one season in Austin. This decision was reported on January 2, 2026, and follows a challenging year for the athlete, who previously transferred from the University of Maryland.

Background on Johnson’s Career

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 310 pounds, Johnson has two remaining years of eligibility. He originally joined the Longhorns after signing with Maryland as part of the 2023 recruiting class, where he had multiple offers from prominent programs, including Baylor, Indiana, Michigan, and Virginia Tech.

During his two seasons with the Terrapins, Johnson recorded a total of 19 tackles, including 14 solo, alongside 1.5 tackles for loss and one sack across 18 games. His 2024 season was marred by injuries, which caused him to miss four games.

After entering the transfer portal, Johnson initially signed a contract with North Carolina. However, he later flipped to Texas, which was notable given the unpredictable nature of player recruitment in college sports today.

Challenges Faced at Texas

In his only season with the Longhorns, Johnson encountered difficulties due to injury, limiting his contributions to the team. He made his first appearance against Sam Houston, where he participated in seven snaps. Throughout the rest of the season, he played in only six additional games, accumulating a total of 63 snaps and registering five tackles and one tackle for loss, according to data from Pro Football Focus.

The original strategy for the Longhorns was to recruit one interior defensive lineman from the transfer portal. With Johnson’s departure, the coaching staff may now consider increasing that target number, given the expanded scholarship opportunities available.

As Johnson prepares for his next move, his experience and potential will likely attract attention from various programs looking to bolster their defensive line for the upcoming season.