Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks continue on their mission to stack talent for the 2026 class, landing their eighth commitment with three-star cornerback KJ Johnson. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound defensive back from Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama made it official on Monday after teasing his pledge as one of Beamer's #WelcomeHome posts back in May.
Johnson turned down a group of powerhouse programs including Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Memphis, Texas Tech, and West Virginia. Taking an official visit to Columbia during the weekend of May 30 sealed the deal for Johnson.
Rated as the No. 543 overall prospect and the No. 44 cornerback in the nation by 247Sports Composite, Johnson first received an offer from South Carolina in February and wasted no time scheduling a visit. He was on campus a few weeks later for a spring practice, which appeared to make a lasting impression.
"Coach Gray is a great coach, arguably one of the best DB coaches in the country," Johnson told The Big Spur. "It speaks for itself on the DBs he’s sent to the league. You’ve got to be a dog to play under Coach Gray."
During Johnson's official visit, he had an in-depth film session with Coach Gray, who envisions him as a weapon both at corner and nickel. “Got the length and speed for cornerback, and that’s where he feels I’ll fit in best,” Johnson said.
Johnson joins a growing 2026 recruiting class that already includes safety J'Zavien Currence, offensive tackle Zyon Guiles, linebackers Keenan Britt and Andrew Harris, tight end Jamel Howse, interior lineman Anthony Baxter, and defensive lineman Aiden Harris.
The future of South Carolina Gamecock football is bright as it continues to take shape.