Ohio State takes key step in huge recruitment that has other powerhouse programs in pursuit
The Glenville to Columbus pipeline has long been alive for the Ohio State Buckeyes and there could be another product of it in 2026. 2026 linebacker Cincere Johnson is a player the Buckeyes are heavily recruiting and a player they do not want to let get out of Ohio. The Cleveland Glenville linebacker has locked […]
The Glenville to Columbus pipeline has long been alive for the Ohio State Buckeyes and there could be another product of it in 2026.
2026 linebacker Cincere Johnson is a player the Buckeyes are heavily recruiting and a player they do not want to let get out of Ohio. The Cleveland Glenville linebacker has locked in multiple official visits, including a key one to Ohio’s capital city.
Johnson will start his visits in Alabama on May 3, then he will be in Oklahoma the following weekend. The star recruit will be visiting Columbus on June 13, which is what figures to be a big recruiting weekend for the Buckeyes in general. Johnson will visit USC on June 20 after Ohio State.
Johnson is ranked the No. 9 linebacker in the country by the 247 Sports Composite and the No. 117 overall player in the country. The talented linebacker from Cleveland has nearly 30 offers including from programs like Florida, Michigan, Miami, Penn State, and Notre Dame.
Recently, the Buckeyes have recruited players like linebacker Arvell Reese, cornerback Bryce West, and tight end Damarion Witten from Glenville in Cleveland. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker Johnson could be the next piece in that pipeline.
Ohio State is primed to start Sonny Styles and Reese at linebacker next year, then Ohio State will turn it over to new faces potentially by 2026 when Johnson would arrive. Ohio State is the favorite in this recruitment, but Alabama has also made a presence with Johnson.
James Laurinaitis has recruited well with Ohio State since taking over as the full-time linebackers coach. The former Buckeye brought in Riley Pettijohn, Tarvos Alford, and Eli Lee last cycle for the Buckeyes.
Johnson is not going to make a decision until at least late summer before his senior season, so there is still some time to go in the recruitment. However, the Buckeyes sit in a great place as it currently stands.
Former Ohio State hoops standout reveals what could be unfortunate reality for March after loss to Michigan
An ex-Buckeye has seen enough.
