Utah Cornerback Kenan Johnson Enters Transfer Portal
Jan 27, 2025, 5:02 PM | Updated: 5:05 pm
Utah Football cornerback Kenan Johnson (Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics)
(Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics)
SALT LAKE CITY—Utah Football senior cornerback Kenan Johnson has entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer. Ending Johnson’s time with the Utes before it ever really began.
Johnson joined the program last January and worked his way into a starting role over the offseason. He made his debut against Southern Utah as the starter opposite Zemaiah Vaughn.
Unfortunately, after just 13 plays, Johnson suffered a devastating knee injury that ended his season.
RELATED: Utah Football Hosted 2026, 2027 Prospects For Junior Day
Kenan Johnson to the portal but thankful for his time at Utah
In his announcement, Johnson shared a special message that involved Utah’s cornerback coach, Sharrieff Shah.
“I’m very thankful to Georgia Tech and the University of Utah for allowing me to grow as a student-athlete and allow me to showcase my God-given abilities. I want to give a special thanks to Coach Shah for making this past year one I will cherish forever! With that being said, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer.”
I’m very thankful to Georgia Tech and the University of Utah for allowing me to grow as a student-athlete, and allow me to showcase my God given abilities. I want to give a special thanks to Coach Shah for making this past year one I will cherish forever! With that being said… pic.twitter.com/SMl7gdBSyD
— Kenan Johnson (@_kenan_7) January 27, 2025
Johnson’s 2025 availability, starter status was in doubt
Kyle Whittingham previously addressed the possibility of Kenan Johnson’s and Levani Damuni’s return next season. After being included on the spring roster, that much became clear.
However, Whittingham also acknowledged that Johnson’s injury was significant. He suggested that his anticipated return timeline may not have happened until after fall camp began.
“They both would like to come back, as of our most recent conversations. That, like everything, is subject to change. Levani’s been rehabbing and doing very well. If he decides to come back, he’ll be ready to roll in January with offseason conditioning and jump right into it. Kenan’s a different story; he had a very significant injury. I’ve heard some opinions that it may be up until fall camp before he’d be ready to go, maybe not even quite at the beginning of fall camp.” – Kyle Whittingham, UCF week press conference
Not only was his availability and recovery timeline up in the air, but his starter status was as well.
Utah made three transfer portal additions to the cornerback room last month. Morgan Scalley also hinted at the fact that star cornerback Smith Snowden is likely to play outside this fall.
Those things, combined with Johnson’s recovery timeline, put his starting role in doubt.
RELATED: Getting The Madsen Twins Going Could Be Key For Utah Basketball Vs. Cincinnati Bearcats
