Grambling State will be without starting quarterback RJ Johnson III for the foreseeable future due to an undisclosed health issue.
According to the Ruston Daily Leader, Johnson will miss Saturday’s matchup with Alcorn State as the Tigers make another change at quarterback. Head coach Mickey Joseph confirmed that Jacobe Robinson will start, with Ashton Frye also expected to see action.
Johnson did not play in Grambling State’s 21–14 loss to Prairie View A&M last Saturday. Robinson handled the majority of the snaps in that game, completing 9 of 18 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown, including a 47-yard touchdown connection with Tyson George.
RJ Johnson III — 2026 Season
| GP | Comp/Att | Comp. % | Yards | TD | INT | YPG |
| 3 | 47/60 | 78.3% | 581 | 2 | 1 | 193.7 |
Johnson has produced 581 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception through three games this season.
🏈 Jacobe Robinson Takes Over
Robinson, a junior quarterback from Denton, Texas, transferred to Grambling State from Southern Miss. He has appeared in four games this season, completing 17 of 34 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns. (
Robinson already has experience stepping into the starting role. He started Grambling’s season opener against Clark Atlanta before Johnson took over the bulk of the quarterback snaps during the game.
WHAT WE KNOW
- 🚨 RJ Johnson III is out for the foreseeable future
- 🏥 Grambling has described the situation as a health issue
- ❓ The specific nature of the issue has not been disclosed
- 🏈 Jacobe Robinson will start Saturday
- 🔄 Ashton Frye is also expected to play
- 📍 Grambling State hosts Alcorn State Saturday
- 📊 The Tigers enter the matchup 2–2 overall and 0–1 in SWAC play (CBS Sports)
Grambling State now faces a significant quarterback adjustment as the Tigers prepare for Alcorn State.
Source: Ruston Daily Leader / Grambling State Athletics
