South Alabama adds D2 defensive lineman for 2025 via transfer portal

South Alabama on Thursday added a transfer portal commitment from Tirrell Johnson, a former defensive end at Division II Harding (Ark.) University.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pound Johnson totaled 45 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hurries in two seasons with the Bisons. Harding is one the top programs in Division II, having won the national championship in 2023 and going 12-2 and reaching the quarterfinals this past season.

A native of Wynne, Ark., Johnson has two seasons of eligibility remaining. He joins former Samford wide receiver Brendan Jenkins to give the Jaguars two portal commitments in the current cycle.

South Alabama has a need at the defensive end/edge rusher position, as top pass-rusher Courtney McBride was a senior and redshirt freshman Jordan Norman entered the portal after the season. The Jaguars went 7-6 in 2024, beating Western Michigan in the Salute to Veterans Bowl.

The NCAA transfer portal closed for new entries on Dec. 28, though players already in the portal can commit to their destination schools at any time. South Alabama is expected to add several more portal transfers before spring semester classes begin on Jan. 13.