Pitt FB Recruiting
Spring Game Visit Solidifies Pitt as a Top School for 2026 Edge Kamren Johnson
As Kamren Johnson walked the sidelines before Pitt football’s Blue-Gold Spring Game on Saturday, he took a moment to say what’s up to his former Green Run High School teammate and current Pitt linebacker Emmanuel Taylor.
It was the first time Johnson — a 6-foot-4, 250-pound 2026 edge rusher — visited Pittsburgh, but there was a sense of familiarity with Taylor wearing the Pitt blue and gold.
“It’s really good to see him thriving and doing good,” Johnson told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “We’ve been really close since he got to Green Run. That’s been my real dog ever since then. I still check up on him every now and then, but it’s good to see him doing good. I was excited to see him.”
While Johnson took in the experience at Acrisure Stadium, Taylor shed more light on what it’s like playing at Pitt.
“After I came from down there, we had a conversation. He was telling me that it’s a good school for my position and that there’s a lot of opportunities there,” Johnson said.
That’s what Johnson is looking for in a future school — development on and off the field, strong relationships with the coaching staff and a good overall environment and he saw that in Pitt.
The Panthers have been recruiting Johnson since midway through his junior season at Green Run in Virginia Beach, Va. He might not hold an official offer, but there is a silent one in place, which has led Johnson to placing Pitt as a top-six school with Virginia Tech, Virginia, Michigan State, Duke and Delaware.
To be continued ..July 13…. pic.twitter.com/dvjpOenPVt
— 3⭐️Kamren Johnson (@Kamnrex) April 1, 2025
“They always been showing love since my junior year. They send me a lot of fan mail, cards saying they really like me. They always showing love and support,” Johnson said.
Once in Pittsburgh, Johnson met with several members of the coaching staff, including head coach Pat Narduzzi and defensive line coach Tim Daoust.
During those conversations, Johnson learned more on why Pitt is pushing for him.
“How I can contribute to their program and how they want to build a relationship with me. My versatility how I can play the edge and how I can set it,” Johnson said.
From Acrisure Stadium to the Pitt facility on the South Side, Johnson was pleased with his overall experience.
“We liked the stadium,” he said. “The staff was pretty cool. The environment and fans were cool. One big thing that stood out to me was the way it was so advanced.
“I seen the championship stuff and the meeting room and cafeteria. It was probably one of the nicest facilities I’ve seen.”
— 3⭐️Kamren Johnson (@Kamnrex) April 12, 2025
Johnson sees Pitt as amongst his top three schools and members of the coaching staff are planning to travel down to Virginia to check out a spring workout and that’s when Johnson hopes to schedule an official visit with the program.
He has other official visits set for Virginia from May 30-June 1, Delaware on June 12-14 and Virginia Tech from June 20-22.
As a junior, he recorded 65 tackles, 28 for loss, 12 sacks and forced two fumbles. He was also named First Team All-Region.
247Sports rates Johnson as a three-star recruit, the No. 92 edge in the class and 25th player out of Virginia. He is set to make his commitment on July 13.
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