Utah Football Beats Out Oklahoma To Land Tight End Josiah Jefferson
Jun 27, 2025, 8:01 PM
Nov 9, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes fans react after a play against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utes pick up their sixth commitment from last weekend’s group of visitors, as Southwestern College three-star tight end Josiah Jefferson picked Kyle Whittingham’s Utah football program over Oklahoma and Arizona.
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Jefferson was part of the group that included five-star OT Felix Ojo, four-star WRs Jaron & Kennan Pula, three-star DB Aisa Galea’i, three-star WR Perrion Williams, three-star DL Javion Ramon, three-star DB Dylan Waters, and three-star OL Rowdy Pearce.
With his pledge, he becomes the 13th commit of Utah’s 2026 class. He’ll likely join the program in January with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Tight end Josiah Jefferson commits to Utah football
As a true freshman last season, Jefferson tallied 213 receiving yards on 23 receptions with Southwestern College. Given his combination of size and athleticism, Jefferson saw his recruitment pick up momentum this spring.
He totaled eight offers, which include Arizona, Boise State, Cal, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah among others. Jefferson took three official visits, beginning with a trip to Arizona, followed by Oklahoma, and concluding with his final visit to Utah.
After narrowing down his school options to Arizona, Oklahoma, and Utah, the junior college tight end, and brother of NFL safety Tony Jefferson, announced his decision in favor of the Utes Friday evening.
He becomes Utah’s 13th commit of the class, joining running back LaMarcus Bell, edge Prestion Pitts, quarterback Michael Johnson, linebacker LaGary Mitchell, cornerback Major Hinchen, safety Carter Stewart, tight end Bear Fisher, receiver Perrion Williams, offensive lineman Rowdy Pearce, defensive lineman Javion Ramon, defensive back Aisa Galea’i, and defensive back Dylan Waters.
How does Josiah Jefferson fit with Utah football?
First and foremost, Jefferson has an exciting profile thanks to his combination of athleticism, size, and potential. He played basketball throughout high school, and that’s evident in his athletic qualities on the gridiron. He only started playing football within the last couple of years, so there is some rawness to his game. However, the natural ability is quite promising.
He currently checks in at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, but seems to have the frame to add even more mass. He also moves quite well, showing the ability to outrun defenders, as well as the ability to change directions effortlessly. Jefferson also looks like a natural pass catcher.
From there, Jefferson’s development will center around the finer details of the position. Utah has a growing track record of taking players similar to Jefferson- Dalton Kincaid, Caleb Lohner- and developing their football skillset.
Jefferson will need to improve his footwork and route running to maximize his potential as a pass catcher. Embracing the physicality of the position as a blocker will be another key to his progression.
Overall, there is a lot to like about Jefferson and his fit with Utah football. This was a valuable win for the Utes on the recruiting trail, and it helps maintain the momentum moving forward.
