2025 WR Xavier Johnson commits to SMU
2025 North Richland Hills (Tex.) Richland wideout Xavier Johnson committed to SMU, he announced after his official visit. The Mustangs beat out the likes of Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech and others.
On3 ranks him a high three-star, coming in as the No. 87 overall wideout in America and the No. 90 prospect in Texas.
On one of his Junior Day visits, SMU wide receivers coach Rob Likens connected with him in a big day. It’s also all the organization and support SMU has to offer players like Johnson.
“It opened my eyes and like really seen like how the organization and what they got going over there and stuff like that,” Johnson said earlier this spring. “I know they got a new program on to come up and I know it started with the 2025 class.
“The stuff they have for health for you is real good. I know they got a new facility and stuff coming like.”
Likens has a strong record of producing wideouts like former SMU wideout Rashee Rice and San Francisco 49ers standout Brandon Aiyuk.
“I feel like he’s a great coach. He coached Rashee Rice, from my high school as well,” Johnson said. “The things he was saying during offensive position meetings, he was saying whatever happens, just get up, keep fighting and keep going. Don’t worry about what happens behind you, just keep on fighting. I really enjoyed him talking to us like that.”
With Johnson on board, SMU now has 10 commitments in the 2025 recruiting class. He joins four-star Duncanville (Tex.) quarterback Keelon Russell, four-star DeSoto (Tex.) wide receiver Daylon Singleton, three-star Duncanville (Tex.) defensive back Javion Holiday, three-star Duncanville (Tex.) safety Tyren Polley, three-star Arlington (Tex.) Mansfield Timberview defensive back Nathan Tilmon and three-star Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy defensive back Elijah Pratt as Texas natives committed. Outside of the state, SMU holds commitments from Snellville (Ga.) South Gwinnett EDGE Jalen Shivers, Kennessaw (Ga.) North Cobb defensive lineman Kamron Cullins and Santa Margarita Catholic (Calif.) offensive lineman Jacob Maiava.
According to the On3 Industry Team Rankings, SMU ranks as the No. 25 overall class in the country and fifth in the ACC before Johnson’s pledge.
