Former Notre Dame, JUCO Defensive Back JoJo Johnson Transfers To Indiana

After beginning his career at Notre Dame, Merrillville, Ind. native JoJo Johnson is transferring to Indiana for the 2023 season.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Defensive back JoJo Johnson is returning to his home state.

The Merrillville, Ind. native spent his freshman season at Notre Dame before transferring to Iowa Western Community College. And on Tuesday, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound defensive back announced his decision to transfer to Indiana.

Johnson first committed to Notre Dame as a three-star recruit, ranked No. 706 in the nation by 247Sports. He was a standout player at wide receiver and cornerback for Merrillville High School, helping the team reach the 6A state semifinals in his senior season. He earned second-team All-State honors from Max Preps as a senior, and ESPN ranked him as the No. 11 from in Indiana. 

Johnson spent the 2021 season at Notre Dame, but he did not play any snaps due to a torn ACL. He transferred to Iowa Western Community College for the 2022 season, where he made 16 tackles, three interceptions, and two pass breakups across nine games. Johnson helped the Reivers win the NJCAA National Championship.

During spring practice, Indiana coach Tom Allen mentioned potentially adding a defensive back through the transfer portal. The Hoosiers lost starting cornerbacks Tiawan Mullen and Jaylin Williams to the NFL, and other defensive backs, Brylan Lanier, Lem Watley-Neely, Trevell Mullen and Chris Keys entered the transfer portal.

Along with Johnson, Indiana has added defensive back transfers Jamier Johnson (Texas), Kobee Minor (Texas Tech), Tyrik McDaniel (Independence C.C.) and Jamison Kelly (Jones C.C.).

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