Birmingham Stallions Sign DB Jesse Johnson III

Defensive back joins UFL team after college stints at Austin Peay and Tiffin

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Birmingham Stallions have signed defensive back Jesse Johnson III, according to a report from James Larsen. Johnson, a native of Columbus, Ohio, played college football at Eastern Illinois, Tiffin University, and Austin Peay State University, where he racked up 100 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 10 pass breakups over his collegiate career.

Why it matters

The Stallions are bolstering their secondary with the addition of Johnson, who had a standout senior season at Austin Peay in 2023. His ball-hawking skills and experience will provide depth and strength to the Stallions' defensive backfield as they look to compete in the upcoming UFL season.

The details

The 5'11", 168-pound Johnson began his college career at Eastern Illinois in 2020 but did not see any game action. He then transferred to Tiffin University from 2020-2023, where he recorded 54 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 11 pass breakups over 32 games. In 2023, his final season at Tiffin, Johnson had 28 tackles and 6 pass breakups. He then transferred to Austin Peay for the 2024 season, where he had a career-high 46 tackles, 4 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery, earning Second Team All-UAC honors.

  • Johnson signed with the Birmingham Stallions on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Jesse Johnson III

A 5'11", 168-pound defensive back who played college football at Eastern Illinois, Tiffin University, and Austin Peay State University.

James Larsen

A reporter who broke the news of Johnson's signing with the Birmingham Stallions.

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What they’re saying

“The Birmingham Stallions are signing CB Jesse Johnson III, per source.”

— James Larsen, Reporter (Twitter)

What’s next

The Stallions will look to integrate Johnson into their defensive backfield as they prepare for the upcoming UFL season.

The takeaway

The signing of Jesse Johnson III adds valuable depth and experience to the Birmingham Stallions' secondary, as they look to build a competitive roster for the 2026 UFL season.