Syracuse football: UT Martin EDGE Keyshawn Johnson transfers to Orange

The Syracuse Orange picked up another transfer commitment late Friday night. University of Tennessee at Martin edge rusher Keyshawn Johnson told syracuse.com’s Brent Axe that he’s committed to Syracuse. The Belle Glade, Florida native will have one year of eligibility left.

Johnson racked up the accolades with UT Martin at the FCS level this past season. He was named an FCS AP, Coaches and Phil Steele First Team All-American. Johnson was also named OVC-Big South Defensive Player of the year. He totaled 53 tackles on the season. Johnson’s 20 tackles for loss tied him for second in the FCS and his 13.5 sacks ranked him third in the FCS. 

Johnson has already transferred schools before. He joined UT Martin after a year at Grambling State, where was named an FCS Freshman All-American. Johnson featured in 25 games for UT Martin in his two-year career, totaling 77 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 17 sacks and two forced fumbles. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida for high school. Johnson wasn’t ranked as a high school recruit.

Johnson has been listed as an outside linebacker by UT Martin, but played mainly as an edge rusher. Syracuse didn’t lose too many key edge rushers to the transfer portal, the biggest loss being Chase Simmons. However, Denis Jaquez, Kevin Jobity and David Reese are all seniors from the 2025 Orange team. Syracuse does have impact freshman edge rushers coming into the program in Kamron Wilson and Jarius Rodgers, among others.

Johnson is the third defensive player that Syracuse has acquired in the transfer portal. He joins Georgia State defensive tackle Jartavius Flounoy and Toledo linebacker Chris D’Appolonia. Johnson is the ninth transfer into the Orange program this offseason, joining South Carolina tight end Michael Smith, LSU running back Ju’Juan Johnson, Miami (OH) wide receiver Cole Weaver, Jackson State running back Ahmad Miller and Florida State wide receiver Elijah Moore. 

The transfer portal remains open for entry until January 15th. Players must enter their names into the portal before the deadline. Schools can still sign players after the deadline as long as the player is in the portal before the deadline.