Florida starting DB shares plans to return in 2026
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Florida got some good news for Jon Sumrall‘s first season when starting defensive back Dijon Johnson confirmed his return for the 2026 season.
Johnson made his announcement this week through Florida Victorious, UF’s NIL partner and marketing agency.
“It means everything to me. I’m from the state of Florida, just about two hours from Gainesville, so staying close to home and having my family able to watch me play is huge,” Johnson told Florida Victorious about his decision. “I also feel like I have unfinished business here. I want to finish my career the right way and go out winning as a Gator.”
Johnson has gradually increased his role over the past 3 seasons with the Florida Gators. The former 4-star recruit contributed primarily on special teams as a freshman in 2023. He made 13 appearances as a defensive back in 2024, making 5 starts. Johnson started the first 4 games of the 2025 season before he was sidelined by a season-ending injury.
He’s setting big goals for Year 4 with the program.
“My first goal is to stay healthy all season. Beyond that, I want to be highly productive and make a real impact on the defense. I’m aiming for a first-team All-SEC and All-American type of year. Those goals are written down, and I’m locked in on chasing them,” Johnson told Florida Victorious.
In 2024, Johnson had 25 tackles with 2 pass breakups, 1 TFL and 1 QB hurry. This season, he logged 174 snaps before his season was cut short. He had 8 tackles (7 solo) with 1 interception and 1 pass breakup before the injury.
Let’s work , #unfinishedbusiness @Fl_Victorious https://t.co/JAJ8MQbmGo pic.twitter.com/OWIDXzEhk4
— Dijon Johnson (@DijonJ3) December 24, 2025
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
