Keshad Johnson grew up in Oakland, California and initially attended Envision Academy of Arts & Technology. He transferred to San Leandro High School before his senior season. During his senior season he averaged 14.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.9 steals per game. He was named the West Alameda County Conference Foothill League co-MVP. He had several Division 1 offers and eventually committed to play at San Diego State.
Keshad Johnson saw limited action as a freshmen in 2019-2020. He played in 18 games and averaged 5.9 minutes per game and 1.9 points per game. As a sophomore, Johnson saw a little increase in playing time and averaged 4.0 points in 13.5 minutes per game. Johnson became a full-time starter in his junior season. He started all 32 games and averaged 7.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He also shot an eye popping 55.3% from the field. He once again had a stellar season from the field in his senior season for the Aztecs. He shot 53.2% from the field and averaged 7.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest.
At the end of the season, Johnson announced he was entering the transfer portal and was going to come back for his extra year of eligibility. Eventually he settled on Arizona as the place he would finish his college career. At Arizona, he started all 36 games and avearaged a career high 11.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.