UCF transfer CB Chasen Johnson signs with SMU despite committing to USC

UCF transfer cornerback Chasen Johnson has committed to SMU, On3’s Pete Nakos reports. The move is a surprise, as it comes just two days after he announced his commitment to USC.

Johnson, who has four years of eligibility left, played 452 snaps his true freshman season for UCF. Down the stretch, he started four out of the final five games and had a total of 14 tackles with two pass defections. On the season as a whole, he had 18 total tackles.

Johnson was a three-star prospect out of Sanford (Fla.) Seminole high school in the 2024 class. He ranked as the nation’s No. 118 cornerback and the No. 147 ranked player in the state of Florida, according to the On3 Industry Ranking,  a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

SMU loses cornerback Brandon Crossley to graduation and needs an additional starter to come in and shore up a group that’s ranked 91st nationally in passing yards allowed. The 6-1, 180-pound UCF transfer would be a good bet to start right away for the Mustangs.

SMU finished runner up in the ACC Championship this past season and made it in as an at-large bid to the College Football Playoff. It will face Penn State in the first round on Dec. 21.

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.