Auburn safety CJ Johnson withdraws from NCAA Transfer Portal

Auburn safety CJ Johnson has withdrawn from the NCAA Transfer Portal. Johnson initially entered the portal on Dec. 23.

Johnson hasn’t seen any action through his first two seasons with Auburn. However, with three other defensive backs from Auburn entering the transfer portal, Johnson will return next season and attempt to contribute on the field for the Tigers.

CJ Johnson played high school football at Paetow High (TX), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 613 overall player and No. 57 safety in the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Football runs in Johnson’s blood. His family members, L.J. Johnson (SMU), Johnathan Johnson (LSU), Brian Johnson (Mississippi Valley State), Michael Johnson (LSU), Terry Johnson (TCU) all played college football.

Now, CJ Johnson will look to make his mark at the collegiate level as well. Auburn finished the 2024 campaign with a 5-7 record and 2-6 mark in conference play. It was a step back for the Tigers, who won six games in Hugh Freeze’s first season at the helm in 2023.

In fairness, Auburn had a grueling schedule, including showdowns against Texas A&M, Georgia and Alabama. Nonetheless, in the new SEC era, teams can expect to face a gauntlet in conference play on a yearly basis.

Auburn is working hard this offseason to avoid a similar fate in 2025. The Tigers currently boast the No. 6 class in On3’s 2025 Team Transfer Portal Rankings. Most notably, Auburn has added standouts such as quarterback Jackson Arnold, offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin and wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr.

Additionally, Auburn has the No. 6 class in the 2025 recruiting cycle, highlighted by five-star QB Deuce Knight. With any luck, Auburn will be able to put its newfound talent to good use and have its best season under Hugh Freeze yet.

The transfer portal officially opened on Dec. 7 and closed on Dec. 28, though players on teams still playing in the postseason will get an additional five-day window to enter the portal after their seasons end.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.