Southern Miss Football Adds Playmaker MJ Johnson for 2026 Season
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — MJ Johnson, a transfer wide receiver and return man, is preparing to contribute to the University of Southern Mississippi’s football team during the 2026 season. Johnson, who arrived on campus earlier this year, is known for his speed and playmaking ability, which coaches hope will energize the Golden Eagles’ offense and special teams.
Johnson played at Northwest Mississippi Community College, helping the Rangers reach the NJCAA playoffs with two 10-win seasons. Over two seasons, he averaged 31 catches, 456 yards and five touchdowns, including a 38-catch, 497-yard season as a redshirt sophomore. He also excelled as a kick returner, posting 541 yards on 25 returns as a redshirt freshman.
He spent the 2023 season at Troy University, appearing in one game after a successful high school career at Enterprise High School in Alabama. There, he ran for 3,305 yards, the second-most in school history, and was a two-time all-state selection. Johnson transitioned from running back to receiver in his senior year, finishing with 632 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Southern Miss coaches are eager to utilize Johnson’s speed, which has been clocked in the high 4.4-second range in the 40-yard dash. Inside receivers coach Brandon Bowling praised Johnson’s work ethic and dedication, noting he is one of the team’s hardest workers. Johnson said he hopes to become a leader and share lessons learned from competing on winning teams.
As preseason camp continues, the Golden Eagles are still determining their slot receiver rotation. Johnson is competing with transfers and sophomores, including Mario Sanders, Jaylen Himes, and A.J. Little. The team’s first game is set for Sept. 5 against Alcorn State.
Johnson, whose birthday falls in December, said he appreciates his family’s tradition of keeping his birthday separate from Christmas. He added, “Big shoutout to Mom,” reflecting on his journey from high school star to college athlete.
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