TCU safety Jamel Johnson withdraws from NCAA transfer portal

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, TCU safety Jamel Johnson has withdrawn from the NCAA transfer portal. A few big-time programs were circling for Johnson but he decided against leaving Funky Town. Huge news for the Horned Frogs as one of the program’s best defensive players will return for the 2025 season.

Johnson played in all 12 games this season, recording 71 tackles, 2.0 tackles for a loss, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. This was as a true sophomore, having two more years of eligibility. Leaving for the NFL after three seasons is certainly a possibility too.

Louisville, Michigan, and Ole Miss, three schools looking to make major splashes in the portal this offseason, were attempting to add Johnson. Visits were scheduled to the trio but never amounted to anything.

Before withdrawing, the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Rankings had Johnson as the No. 187 overall player to enter. From the safety position, Johnson was at No. 17, and an overall three-star prospect.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

Flashing back to Johnson’s high school recruitment — Johnson was a local commitment TCU was able to secure. He originally committed to Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns back in Nov. 2021. Nearly exactly a year later, a commitment came.

TCU eventually won out, signing him after interest from Auburn and Ole Miss.

Johnson played high school football at Arlington (TX) Seguin, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 406 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

There will be a bowl game for TCU to play in, set to face Louisiana in the New Mexico Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. CT on Dec. 28, giving Johnson plenty of time to settle back into the program.

From there, the focus for TCU will be on bouncing back in a big way ahead of the 2025 season.