James Franklin saw Josh Johnson among a long line of recruits after Penn State’s 27-11 victory over UCLA on Oct. 5. Franklin smiled, embraced him and exchanged some words with the three-star defensive back from Ironton, Ohio. The following Wednesday, Johnson decommitted from Louisville. And on Monday, Johnson flipped his pledge to the Nittany Lions.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Johnson had been committed to the Cardinals since June. He now becomes the 25th member of Franklin’s 2025 recruiting class.
Johnson is currently listed by 247Sports as the No. 37-ranked player in Ohio and No. 929 prospect overall.
It’s unclear if Johnson aims to play cornerback or safety when he steps on campus, but his primary recruitment by Penn State cornerbacks coach Terry Smith could give a hint.
He joins cornerbacks Daryus Dixson, Jahmir Joseph, Xxavier Thomas and safety Braswell Thomas as the fifth defensive back set to join Franklin’s defensive back room as a true freshman next season.
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