2026 class three-star recruit Michael Johnson announces decommitment from Jeff Lebby's Mississippi State

By Maliha

Modified Sep 21, 2024 15:09 GMT

Three-star quarterback Michael Johnson from Dutchtown High School in Hampton, Georgia, became the fourth commitment for Mississippi State's 2026 class after giving his pledge in July. However, he has now decided to reopen his recruitment by taking away the pledge from the Jeff Lebby-coached Bulldogs.

On Thursday, the 6-foot-1, 165-pound Johnson shared his decommitment decision on X, writing:

"After careful consideration, I’m choosing to decommit from Mississippi State. @_Coach_O @niketaq #TrustTheProcess."

The post marks the end of Johnson’s short commitment to Mississippi State, which started with an unofficial visit in April to see first-year coach Lebby’s program. At the time, he seemed to have fully bought into the Bulldogs' vision.

“It was just the environment,” Johnson told On3. “When I first got there it felt like home right away and it felt like family. They welcomed open arms to me and my family."

Johnson's initial commitment was largely influenced by his high regard for Lebby, who is known for his prowess in coaching quarterbacks.

“Coach Lebby knows what he is doing,” Johnson added. “He’s been running that offense for so long and he’s been highly successful. He can tell me things I need to improve on now to help me get ready for his offense.”

However, Johnson's feelings toward the Bulldogs seem to have shifted in less than three months. His departure leaves Mississippi State’s 2026 recruiting class with four remaining commitments: Damarius Yates, Jaeden Hill, Iverson McCoy and Kenny Darby. The class still ranks No. 13 in the nation and No. 9 in the Southeastern Conference.

Michael Johnson shines in Dutchtown's lackluster season

The Dutchtown Bulldogs kicked off their season with a 47-28 victory over Stockbridge on Aug. 16. Michael Johnson was the standout player, amassing 224 passing yards, 79 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

However, Dutchtown suffered two consecutive narrow defeats to South Gwinnett and Stephenson. In Week 4, the Bulldogs bounced back with a thrilling win against Lovejoy, where Johnson shone again with 269 yards and three touchdowns.

This resurgence was also short-lived, as the Bulldogs faced a 57-14 loss to Langston Hughes in Week 5, dropping their record to 2-3. Johnson and his Bulldogs squad will now look to bounce back again when they face Banneker on Sept. 27.

Michael Johnson will also decide on his college destination, with offers from West Virginia, Purdue, UCF, Cincinnati, Troy and South Florida, among others.