“New North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson has the “same skillset” as Sam Howell and Drake Maye, according to ACC analyst and former Georgia and Miami head coach Mark Richt. The Texas A&M transfer appeared in eight games for the Aggies last season, completing 62.1% of his passes for 1,452 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions. He committed to UNC in November as the No. 42 quarterback in the transfer portal.
“Max Johnson is the new quarterback extraordinaire.” They had Sam Howell and Drake Maye. “Max Johnson is on the same page,” Richt stated during the ACC schedule announcement program. “He has the same skillset. “This cat is unbelievable.”
UNC also signed Johnson’s younger brother, Jake, in December. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound sophomore played in all 12 Texas A&M games this season, totaling 24 receptions for 235 yards and four touchdowns. The former four-star recruit was ranked as the No. 85 overall prospect and No. 3 tight end in the class of 2022, and he committed to UNC as the No. 4 tight end in the transfer portal.
“His little brother, (Jake Johnson) is one of the best tight ends in the country,” Richt said. “The Johnson and Johnson combination is going to take over. The team that’s a dark horse to win the league, hands down. North Carolina Tar Heels, baby.”
Max and Jake’s father, Brad Johnson, was a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their mother, Nikki Johnson, is Richt’s sister.
“I love those kids,” Richt said. “I think they are going to have a great season. I’ve known Max and Jake since birth. They are beautiful guys and unbelievable players, and I can’t wait to watch them.”
Max Johnson began his career at LSU and started all 12 games for the Tigers as a sophomore in 2021, throwing for 2,815 yards with 27 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 60.2% of his passes. Inside Carolina’s Jason Staples praised Johnson after his commitment.
