Brothers across the country play football together in their backyards, or even local or high school teams, but not too many get to compete together at the FBS college football level, let alone the SEC. But that's just what happened this Saturday as Texas A&M backup QB Max Johnson got into the game and unleashed a touchdown strike to his brother Jake.
Throwing a touchdown to your brother ?? pic.twitter.com/HMCmI2GJQc
— ESPN (@espn) September 23, 2023
With starter Connor Weigman sidelined with an in-game injury, backup Max Johnson has stepped in for Texas A&M in a huge spot. In a key SEC opener against Auburn, Johnson, a rare lefty QB, hit his younger brother Jake who ran down the sideline and into the end zone to give the Aggies a 13-3 lead.
Max actually started his college career off at LSU, where he tossed 27 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions in a promising 2021 campaign, but transferred over to A&M after his brother's commitment. The younger Johnson was sparingly used last season; the touchdown received from his big brother was actually his first collegiate score.
Max hasn't played a ton yet this season, but has been solid in the spurts he's been on the field. With Weigman out, and having also put in a mistake-filled performance in a concerning blowout at the hands of Miami, he's really stepped up in the face of adversity. He completed six of his first seven passes on the day for 123 yards and two scores, outstanding production in a must-win spot for his Aggies, giving them a 20-3 lead through three quarters.
We'll have to wait and see whether Weigman comes back into the game, whether he's out long term, or if he's healthy but Johnson snags the job anyways. Regardless of who's under center, this is a pivotal season for the Jimbo Fisher era at A&M, as the school has invested heavily in the program and recruited well, but the former national champion coach hasn't gotten them particularly close to the College Football Playoff, save for the questionable 2020 COVID season. Despite a huge contract, he'll need a solid season to maintain job security, and a big win over Auburn could be a great start.
