Top-20 incoming sophomore Jayden Johnson talks recruitment, OTE

Over the last three years, I’ve had the opportunity to watch 2026 prospect Jayden Johnson, a native of Louisville, KY. Johnson, a freshman, has been playing against varsity competition over the last three years. I first watched him play as a 7th grader on a Male team with Louisville signee Kaleb Glenn.

Johnson has always stood out. Whether it’s been the progress and the skill of the young 6-foot-6 shooting guard, he’s always been one of the youngest on the floor and it has never stopped him from producing. 

Johnson has had multiple 20+ point outings this season and continues to progress on an uphill track, even with three high school seasons left.

Due to him being one of the youngest players on the court every time he steps out there, he drew early attention from colleges due to his potential early on.

Johnson, a 2026 prospect, can’t hear directly from college coaches just yet, but with a handful of high majors already offering him he’s already all over the radar.

He just competed in USA Basketball camp and was very close to earning himself a spot on Team USA’s U16 team. I believe despite not making the cut this year, he will be able to don the USA uniform before he heads to college... or a different route?

Pros you say? Yes, Overtime Elite is among the options for Johnson and we discussed that along with his busy college recruitment (already) with Stockrisers.com.

Which schools have extended an offer and are involved?

“Xavier is the most recent but Missouri, Texas A&M, West Virginia, and Cincinnati. OTE has offered too, but Iowa has shown a lot of interest. Also, TCU, Indiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisville, and Memphis just to name a few.”

And what were your thoughts on the Xavier offer and what do you know about them?

“Xavier is a great school and in a great conference. I think Sean Miller's track record speaks for itself, he is a great coach, and one good thing about X is they are a basketball-only school with great facilities.”

How about Missouri?

“Coach Gates might be the best Coach in the SEC right now. They had an amazing season and I’m sure they will be even better next season. Coach Smithpeters is my guy and he gave me my first offer so that will forever be one of my top choices.”

How about your local school, Louisville?

“Louisville is a good school. KP and Nolan [Smith] did a great job recruiting and rebuilding. Hopefully, they see me in the future but who knows.”

Overtime Elite?

“They offered some time ago. It’s a great opportunity to go work on my game and be able to benefit financially.”

What visits will you take when you’re able to?

“Yes, my first one is Indiana in August, and then West Virginia and Missouri.”