After Brief Stint at Texas, DL Lavon Johnson Returns To Maryland
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In the modern transfer portal era, where commitment has become a rare concept, Maryland under Locksley has pulled something even more scarce, making a former commit return to the Terps.
Defensive lineman Lavon Johnson, who left the Terrapins for Texas ahead of the 2025 season, is returning to College Park with one year of eligibility remaining. The 6-foot-2, 311-pound interior disruptor brings his sense of familiarity and much-needed depth to a defensive front facing significant turnover.
Lavon Johnson Returns To Maryland
Johnson is a member of Maryland's 2023 recruiting class out of Allentown, Pennsylvania. He quickly carved a rotational role as a true freshman, appearing in six games. He built on that in 2024, playing in eight contests with 14 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss before an injury sidelined him for four others.
Across his initial two seasons with the Terps, Johnson recorded 19 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and one sack, showing the potential that made him a prized prospect.
Lavon Johnson spent his first two seasons with Maryland football, but transferred to Texas last season. He has now committed to return to the Terps for his senior season, according to Pete Nakos.
— Testudo Times (@testudotimes) January 11, 2026
Johnson has recorded five total tackles in his lone season with the Longhorns. pic.twitter.com/ltoFNFyYSN
Last offseason, Johnson entered the portal, briefly committed to return to Maryland, then re-entered and flirted with North Carolina under new coach Bill Belichick before ultimately landing at Texas.
Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian spoke optimistically about him in the summer, noting the staff needed to get Johnson going as he appeared on the cusp of breaking out.
However, the reality was completely different forJohnson. He saw limited action in Austin, appearing in just seven games with 63 snaps and five tackles. He became one of 15 Texas players to hit the portal this winter, paving the way for his Maryland return.
Head coach Mike Locksley welcomed the former Terp via the portal, landing a key reinforcement that he is already familiar with.
Lavon Johnson
— Rallyfuel (@rallyfuel) January 11, 2026
DL · Texas
Allentown, PA · #96
Career:
24 TKL · 1 SACK · interior rotation
Last 3 Games:
vs Sam Houston State: 2 TKL
at Kentucky: 2 TKL
vs Michigan (Bowl): 1 TKLhttps://t.co/5Vx6dJ5F0e
The timing couldn't be better for Maryland; the defensive front has several holes to fill after departures like Cam Rice and Dillan Fontus.
Johnson slots in alongside returning pieces like Sidney Stewart, Zion Elee, and Zahir Mathis, plus additions Bryce Jenkins, Eyan Thomas, and UCF transfer Derrick LeBlanc.
At 320 pounds during his Texas stint, Johnson offers the size and quickness to clog lanes and push the pocket, traits that perfectly fit Locksley's pro-style defense. His prior experience in the system should accelerate his integration, positioning him for a prominent rotational or even starting role in 2026.
While his Texas chapter yielded decent stats, it provided Power conference exposure against elite competition. Back in a familiar environment, Johnson has a clear opportunity to reclaim the trajectory he showed in 2024.
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Rituraj Halder is a football junkie. He covers everything from clutch game-day moments to the stories that offer a glimpse into the locker room. Over the years, he’s written for outlets like Pro Sports and Football Network, Esports on Sports Illustrated, Sportskeeda, and EssentiallySports, carving out a voice that blends sharp analysis with genuine passion. Whether it’s breaking down a Big Ten rivalry, highlighting rising stars, or capturing the emotion that fuels the game, Rituraj writes football the way fans feel it: loud, proud, and all in.