The college football transfer portal opened up on January 2 and remains open through January 16. Lane Kiffin is working to bring elite talent to Baton Rouge while also navigating around portal departures. One player leaving the Tigers is former Louisiana high school legend Ju'Juan Johnson.
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According to On3's Hayes Fawcett, Johnson has committed to Syracuse via the transfer portal. The 6'0", 210-pound running back figures to compete for Syracuse's RB1 spot, and has 2 years of eligibility remaining.
BREAKING: LSU transfer RB Ju’Juan Johnson has Committed to Syracuse, he tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 6, 2026
The 6’0 205 RB will have 2 years of eligibility lefthttps://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/xc6QtfSZ7u
Ju'Juan Johnson leaves LSU for Syracuse
Johnson's career at LSU was an interesting one. He shined at Lafayette Christian Academy in the prep ranks, and came to Baton Rouge holding Louisiana High School Athletic Association records for total yards (14,451) and touchdowns (171).
He began his career as a defensive back during his rookie season in 2024, but an injury allowed him to switch back to the offensive side of the ball. Heading into the 2025 season, Johnson took snaps at quarterback, wide receiver, and running back in Fall Camp.
The Tigers were thirsty for RB depth, and Johnson carved out a role in LSU's RB rotation this past season. Playing in all 13 games, Johnson totaled 41 carries and 155 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. He also hauled in 17 catches for 72 yards in the passing game. Johnson ends his LSU career with 169 rushing yards on 48 carries (3.5 yards per carry) to go along with a pair of rushing touchdowns, as well as 22 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown in the passing game.
Johnson possesses plenty of versatility, and makes for a dangerous playmaker whenever the ball is in his hands. Looking to carve out a larger role and more playing time, he is now heading north to Syracuse. According to 247Sports' transfer rankings, Johnson is rated as a 3-star recruit and ranked as the No. 225 overall player and No. 20 at running back in the portal.