Johnson grew up in
Athens, Georgia and attended
Oconee County High School.[1] He played with his older brother, quarterback
Max Johnson, for his first two seasons of high school and caught 60 passes for 845 yards and 14 touchdowns during his sophomore season.[2] Johnson had 37 receptions for 787 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior.[3] He caught 45 passes for 745 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior.[4] After the season, Johnson played in the 2022
All-American Bowl.[5]
Johnson was rated as a four-star recruit and the best tight end prospect in the 2022 recruiting class.[6][7] He initially committed to play college football at
LSU where his older brother
Max was playing.[8] Johnson later de-committed after his brother entered the NCAA transfer portal.[9] He ultimately signed a letter of intent to play at
Texas A&M.[10] Max Johnson transferred to Texas A&M after his brother's commitment.[11]
College career
Texas A&M
Johnson joined the Texas A&M Aggies as an early enrollee in January 2022.[12]
He played in five games in his freshman season, making one reception for two yards. In his sophomore season, Johnson played in all 12 games and caught 24 passes for 235 yards and 4 touchdowns.[13] His older brother, Max, entered the transfer portal after the end of Texas A&M's regular season, quickly committing to
North Carolina. Jake entered the portal shortly thereafter.[14]
North Carolina
After entering the transfer portal, Johnson decided to follow his brother Max to Chapel Hill, joining him at
UNC.[15]