Ju'Juan Johnson is headed to Central New York.
So far, much of the attention on Syracuse with regards to the transfer portal has been on players they are going to lose.
On Tuesday, Fran Brown's team gained a big roster piece out of the portal, securing a commitment from running back Ju'Juan Johnson. He previously played at LSU.
Mike McAllister of 24/7 Sports had the information:
BREAKING: LSU RB Ju’Juan Johnson has committed to Syracuse. The Orange lands an extremely athletic, talented back with multiple years of eligibility left.
Additional info
As noted by Brent Axe of Syracuse.com, Johnson is the second inbound commitment for the Orange, joining tight end Michael Smith (South Carolina).
Also from Axe:
2nd inbound transfer for the Orange: Johnson, a converted CB, has 2 years of eligibility. He played QB in high school and set Louisiana state records for total yards (14,470) and total touchdowns (171).
More on Johnson
He's played in 26 career collegiate games (13 per season), getting 48 carries for 169 yards (3.5 yards per carry). He's also secured two rushing touchdowns. He added 17 catches for 72 yards this past season for the Tigers.
Why would he want to transfer?
Given the nature of college sports today, there's any number of reasons why a player could transfer: NIL opportunities, NFL opportunities, playing time, you name it. Trying to speculate is just that, speculation, but it's also worth noting that LSU just experienced a coaching change. Perhaps Johnson didn't think he'd have a prominent role under new head coach Lane Kiffin.
Furthermore, SU is losing running back Yasin Willis to the portal, so there should be opportunity for him in Central New York.
More Syracuse stories
How the Orange project in 2026
Until the dust settles from the portal, nothing is really known, but the Orange are slated to get back quarterback Steve Angeli from the Achilles injury that cost him the final eight games of 2025. They were 3-1 with him at the helm, so with him back, they should figure to be in a better position than the 3-9 they finished with.
Also on campus
The Syracuse men's basketball team will take on Georgia Tech on Tuesday night (7 p.m. ET) in Atlanta. SU is 9-5 and 0-1 in ACC play. The Yellow Jackets are 10-5 and 1-1.
This will be a homecoming game for Naithan George and Ibrahim Souare, who both played at Georgia Tech previously. George led the ACC in assists with the Yellow Jackets last season.
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