Macon, Ga (WGXA) – He’s ranked among the best baseball players in the nation, and now FPD’s Keon Johnson is taking the next step in his athletic career. Johnson is listed as a Top 20 prospect for the 2026 MLB Draft and officially signed his letter of intent to play college baseball at Vanderbilt University.
Surrounded by family, Johnson made his commitment official during a signing ceremony, marking a major milestone in his baseball journey. Vanderbilt, one of the nation’s premier collegiate baseball programs, will be the next stop for the standout athlete.
Johnson’s success on the field speaks for itself. During his career, he has recorded 38 doubles and needs just one more to break the school’s all-time record. In a single season, Johnson posted 18 doubles, surpassing the previous record of 14. He also set a new single-season record with 58 hits, eclipsing the former mark of 53.
Johnson said Vanderbilt stood out among several strong options because of the coaching staff and the welcoming atmosphere on campus.
“There were some big options on the table,” Johnson said. “I think what really set them apart was Coach Corbin and the staff under him, and how they treated me when I first got on campus. It just felt like home.”
Johnson’s mother described the moment as overwhelming, noting the pride of seeing her son recognized on a national level.
“We’re from Macon, Georgia, born and raised, and to have that level of people watching him from across the country and the world—it’s amazing,” she said. “There are things he’s doing when no one is watching. He puts in the work. What you see is what you get.”
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Johnson was named the Gatorade Georgia Baseball Player of the Year for the 2024–2025 season