NASHVILLE — Tennessee State men's basketball head coach Nolan Smith has added veteran guard Ty-Laur Johnson to the Tigers' roster for the 2026–27 season.

Johnson arrives in North Nashville after playing his junior season at San Diego, where he produced career-best averages of 14.6 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. He appeared in 23 contests, starting 21, and shot 43.2 percent from the field and 82.6 percent from the free-throw line.

The 6-foot guard gives Smith an experienced playmaker who has appeared in 82 collegiate games with 48 starts across three seasons at Louisville, Wake Forest and San Diego.

Johnson delivered several standout performances during the 2025–26 campaign. He recorded a career-high 28 points with seven assists and three steals in a 96-92 victory over Washington State. He scored 20 or more points eight times, including a 23-point, seven-assist performance in an 82-80 win over UC San Diego and 22 points with six steals against Pacific.

Before joining San Diego, Johnson spent the 2024–25 season at Wake Forest. He appeared in 29 games, made 19 starts and averaged 6.1 points, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals. His 34 steals during ACC play ranked fifth in the conference, while his 1.7 steals per league game tied for fifth. He also shot a career-best 83.1 percent from the free-throw line.

Johnson began his collegiate career at Louisville in 2023–24, leading the Cardinals with 3.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game while averaging 8.7 points. His freshman season was highlighted by a 27-point, 11-assist and six-rebound performance against Florida State. That effort earned him ACC Rookie of the Week honors. He was also selected to the All-ACC Academic Team.

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Johnson played his senior season at Our Savior Lutheran (Bronx, N.Y.) in the Overtime Elite League, averaging 18.4 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. 

Johnson also starred at St. Benedict's Prep, where he was named the 2022 New Jersey Prep Player of the Year and earned a spot on the MaxPreps Junior All-America Team after helping the Gray Bees finish 25-1 and earn a No. 6 national ranking.

Johnson joins a retooled Tennessee State roster as the Tigers prepare for their second season under Smith, the reigning OVC Coach of the Year.

For the latest Tennessee State men's basketball news, visit TSUTigers.com and follow the Tigers on their official social media channels.