In the ever-evolving landscape of johnson’s college football, few players embody the nomadic spirit of the transfer portal era quite like Max Johnson. A quarterback with a pedigree that screams gridiron royalty—son of Super Bowl champion Brad Johnson and nephew of legendary coach Mark Richt—Max has traversed the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and beyond, leaving his mark at three powerhouse programs: LSU, Texas A&M, and now North Carolina. His journey is one of promise, perseverance, and occasional heartbreak, marked by stellar performances, tough injuries, and the relentless pursuit of a starting role. As of September 2025, with the college football season underway, Johnson is back on the field for the Tar Heels under the guidance of new head coach Bill Belichick, aiming to reclaim his spot as a leader. This article delves into his odyssey, exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between.
For more on college football transfers, check out our internal guide at likiy.net/college-football/transfers-2025. Externally, ESPN’s player profile provides up-to-date stats: ESPN Max Johnson.
Early Life and High School Stardom
Born on July 25, 2001, in Athens, Georgia, Max Johnson grew up immersed in football. His father, Brad Johnson, was a Pro Bowl quarterback who led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in 2003. His uncle, Mark Richt, coached at Georgia and Miami, instilling a deep understanding of the game from a young age. Max’s brother, Jake Johnson, would later join him in college, adding a familial layer to his career.
Johnson attended Oconee County High School in Watkinsville, Georgia, a small program where he quickly became a standout. As a four-star recruit, he threw for over 5,140 yards and 47 touchdowns during his high school career, showcasing a strong arm and poise under pressure. In his senior year, he amassed 2,143 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, earning the Georgia 4A Offensive Player of the Year award. Despite leading Oconee County to the state championship game in 2019, they fell short, but Johnson’s performance drew national attention.
Recruiters flocked to Watkinsville. Rated as a pro-style quarterback with a 40-yard dash time of 4.84 seconds, the 6-foot-5, 214-pound prospect received offers from top programs like Miami (from his uncle), Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina. His decision to commit to LSU in 2018 was influenced by the Tigers’ offensive prowess and the opportunity to develop under coach Ed Orgeron. For insights into high school recruiting trends, visit our internal page at likiy.net/recruiting/high-school-stars. More on his recruiting profile can be found at 247Sports.
Arrival at LSU: From Backup to Starter
Johnson’s college football enrolled at LSU in 2020, joining a program fresh off a national championship but facing quarterback uncertainty. As a freshman, he started third on the depth chart behind Myles Brennan and TJ Finley. The COVID-shortened season provided opportunities, and Johnson appeared in six games, starting two.
His breakout came against Florida on December 12, 2020. Inserted as starter, he threw for 239 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-34 upset victory, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors. The following week against Ole Miss, he set an LSU freshman record with 435 passing yards, three touchdowns, plus 45 rushing yards and two scores in a win. Overall, in 2020, Johnson completed 88 of 150 passes (58.7%) for 1,069 yards, eight touchdowns, and one interception, while rushing for 119 yards and two scores.
In 2021, with Brennan injured, Johnson’s college football became the full-time starter for all 12 games. He threw for 2,815 yards, 27 touchdowns, and six interceptions on 225 of 373 attempts (60.3%). Highlights included a 319-yard, four-touchdown performance against Central Michigan and a comeback win over Texas A&M. However, LSU finished 6-7, leading to Orgeron’s firing. Johnson entered the transfer portal on December 7, 2021, citing family considerations—his brother Jake had decommitted from LSU and signed with Texas A&M.
For a deeper dive into LSU’s quarterback history, see our internal article at likiy.net/lsu-quarterbacks-timeline. External reference: Sports Reference Stats.
The Move to Texas A&M: Family Ties and Competition
On December 17, 2021, Johnson transferred to Texas A&M, reuniting with his brother Jake and joining a program under Jimbo Fisher. The decision was family-driven; Jake, a top tight end recruit, chose the Aggies, and Max followed to play alongside him. At A&M, Johnson faced stiff competition from Conner Weigman and Haynes King.
In 2022, he appeared in four games, completing 43 of 71 passes (60.6%) for 517 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions. Rushing, he added 58 yards. The season was limited as Weigman emerged as starter.
2023 saw more action after Weigman’s injury. Johnson played in eight games, starting five, throwing for 1,452 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions on 118 of 190 attempts (62.1%). Key games included a 230-yard, two-touchdown effort against Auburn. However, with Weigman returning and new coach Mike Elko arriving, Johnson entered the portal as a graduate transfer after the season, seeking a starting opportunity.
Explore Texas A&M’s transfer portal activity on our site at likiy.net/sec-transfers. For more, check ESPN Transfer News.
A New Chapter at North Carolina: Injury, Recovery, and Redemption
On November 29, 2023, Johnson committed to North Carolina, drawn by the chance to replace NFL-bound Drake Maye and a connection to the university. The Tar Heels, under Mack Brown at the time, offered a pro-style offense similar to his past experiences, and Johnson aimed to thrive in Chip Lindsey’s system. He competed with Conner Harrell for the starting job and won it.
Tragedy struck in the 2024 season opener against Minnesota. Late in the third quarter, Johnson suffered a gruesome right femur fracture on a sack, requiring five surgeries. He feared losing his leg, describing the pain and dangling sensation as harrowing. In that partial game, he completed 12 of 19 passes for 71 yards, one interception, and a rushing touchdown. The injury sidelined him for the year, but his recovery was remarkable—rehabbing seven days a week, he was cleared for 2025 fall camp.
With Bill Belichick taking over as coach in 2025, Johnson entered camp competing with transfer Gio Lopez. Belichick named Lopez the starter, but in UNC’s season-opening loss to TCU on August 31, 2025, Johnson relieved an injured Lopez amid a blowout. He impressed, completing 9 of 11 passes (81.8%) for 103 yards and a touchdown—to his brother Jake. Fans clamored for more of the veteran, highlighting his poise. Named to the Comeback Player of the Year Watch List, Johnson’s resilience shines.
For UNC football updates, visit likiy.net/acc-football. External: CBS Sports Injury Details.
Career Stats and Legacy
Johnson’s career stats: 495/814 (60.8%) for 6,027 yards, 48 TDs, 13 INTs; 218 rushes for 173 yards and 6 TDs. With 13-10 as a starter, his odyssey reflects the transfer era’s challenges and opportunities.
In conclusion, Max Johnson’s path from Georgia high school hero to SEC standout and ACC contender is a testament to grit. As 2025 unfolds, he could lead UNC to new heights. For more player journeys, see likiy.net/football-odyssey
Max Johnson FAQs
1. Who is Max Johnson?
Max Johnson is an American football quarterback, son of Super Bowl-winning QB Brad Johnson. He has played for LSU, Texas A&M, and currently represents North Carolina in college football.
2. What position does Max Johnson’s college football play?
Max Johnson plays as a quarterback, leading his college teams’ offenses.
3. Which teams has Max Johnson’s college football played for?
He has played for LSU Tigers, Texas A&M Aggies, and now North Carolina Tar Heels.
4. What are Max Johnson’s college football career highlights?
He has notable performances at LSU and Texas A&M, including leading in passing yards and touchdowns during key games.
5. Is Max Johnson related to anyone famous?
Yes, he is the son of Brad Johnson, a former NFL quarterback and Super Bowl XXXVII champion.
6. How tall is Max Johnson?
Max Johnson is approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall.
7. What jersey number does Max Johnson wear?
He currently wears jersey number 14 for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
8. When and where was Max Johnson born?
He was born on December 16, 2001, in Athens, Georgia, USA.
9. What awards has Max Johnson received?
He has earned accolades for his college football performance, including team MVP mentions and conference honors.
10. What’s next for Max Johnson’s college football career?
Fans are watching to see if he will enter the NFL Draft or continue to make an impact in college football.
11. Can I follow Max Johnson’s college football on social media?
Yes, Max Johnson is active on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares updates on his football journey.
12. How has Max Johnson’s college football performed this season?
Performance varies per season; check official stats from North Carolina’s athletics website or NCAA databases for the latest updates.
13. Has Max Johnson suffered any injuries?
Like many athletes, he has had occasional injuries, but none that have significantly derailed his career so far.
14. What is Max Johnson’s college football playing style?
He is known for his strong arm, accuracy, and ability to read defenses, combining athleticism with strategic gameplay.
15. How can I watch Max Johnson’s games?
Games can be streamed via ESPN, ACC Network, or your college’s official athletics broadcast channels.
Additional Max Johnson FAQs
1. How did Max Johnson perform at LSU?
Max Johnson had several standout games at LSU, showing leadership and strong passing statistics, which helped him gain attention from other college programs.
2. Why did Max Johnson transfer from Texas A&M to North Carolina?
He transferred to seek more playing time and opportunities to showcase his talent in a competitive ACC environment.
3. Who coached Max Johnson in college?
He has been coached by notable college football coaches at LSU, Texas A&M, and North Carolina, each helping to develop his quarterback skills.
4. What records has Max Johnson broken?
While he may not hold national records yet, he has set personal and team milestones in passing yards and touchdowns.
5. Is Max Johnson expected to enter the NFL Draft?
Many analysts see him as a potential NFL prospect, depending on his performance in upcoming college seasons.
6. How does Max Johnson train in the off-season?
He focuses on strength and conditioning, quarterback drills, film study, and skill-specific training to improve accuracy and decision-making.
7. Has Max Johnson won any championships?
He has contributed to key victories in college football, although a national championship is still an ambition.
8. Can fans buy Max Johnson merchandise?
Yes, fans can purchase jerseys, hats, and other apparel featuring Max Johnson’s team colors and number.
9. What is Max Johnson’s social media presence?
He is active on Instagram and Twitter, often sharing highlights, training updates, and personal milestones.
10. How does Max Johnson compare to other quarterbacks in the ACC?
He is considered one of the promising talents, with a strong arm and tactical understanding of the game.
Top Products Related to Max Johnson / College Football Fans
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