Player profile: Nate Johnson eager to bounce back at Auburn
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The 2026 football season for the Auburn Tigers is on the horizon. As we anticipate the start of the season, let's introduce you to a key member of the 2026 roster.
Auburn EDGE Nate Johnson proved to be an excellent EDGE rusher during his first two college seasons at Appalachian State, but he did not get as many opportunities to showcase those skills last season at Missouri.
After logging 79 tackles and 10 sacks in two seasons with Appalachian State, Johnson made just six stops in 10 games with Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri last season. He transferred to Auburn during the offseason and now joins a wide-open battle at EDGE following the departures of Keldric Faulk and Keyron Crawford. Johnson will now prove his worth alongside fellow transfer Da'Shawn Womack, as well as returners Jared Smith and Chris Murray.
Get to know Auburn EDGE Nate Johnson by checking out his 2026 Auburn football player profile below.
Nate Johnson's player profile
- Position: EDGE
- Hometown: Gaffney, South Carolina
- High School: Gaffney High School
- Previous college team: Appalachian State, Missouri
- Height: 6-5
- Weight: 263
- Class: Senior
Nate Johnson as a recruit
- Recruiting class: 2023
- Signed with: Appalachian State
- Position rank: No. 143 (247Sports)
- State rank: No. 28 (247Sports)
- Rating: Three-star (247Sports)
- Other schools in the mix: Navy, Georgia Southern, Miami Ohio
Nate Johnson's career stats
| YEAR | GP | GS | TACKLES | TFL | SACKS |
| 2023 (APPALACHIAN STATE) | 14 | 10 | 43 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 2024 (APPALACHIAN STATE) | 11 | 6 | 34 | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| 2025 (MISSOURI) | 10 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTALS | 35 | 16 | 85 | 13 | 10 |
Nate Johnson's PFF report card
- 2023: 69.3
- 2024: 75.9
- 2025: 79.9
- Strengths: Run defense (84.3), Tackling (80.2 in 2025)
Check out our other Auburn football player previews
Auburn Wire is preparing for the 2026 season by profiling several notable players. Check out the 2026 player profile of your favorite player below.
- K Alex McPherson
- S Anquon Fegans
- S Eric Winters
- S Sylvester Smith-Reed
- S Champ Anthony
- CB Rayshawn Pleasant
- CB Andre Jordan Jr.
- LB Bryce Deas
- LB Demarcus Riddick
- LB Elijah Melendez
- LB Xavier Atkins
- EDGE Da'shawn Womack
- EDGE Jared Smith
- DL Walter Mathis Jr
- DL Dallas Walker IV
- DL Malik Autry
- DL Jourdin Crawford
- DL Cody Sigler
- DL Saint Farrior
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Player profile: Nate Johnson eager to bounce back at Auburn
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