5-Star Elite Linebacker Cincere Johnson flips Commitment to Ohio State Over USC Trojans And Alabama Crimson Tide…

5-Star Elite Linebacker Cincere Johnson flips Commitment to Ohio State Over USC Trojans And Alabama Crimson Tide…

 

In a significant development on the college football recruiting front, five-star linebacker Cincere Johnson has announced his commitment to Ohio State University, choosing the Buckeyes over other national powerhouses, including the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Johnson, a standout at Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio, is widely regarded as one of the premier defensive talents in the 2026 recruiting class.

 

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 225 pounds, Johnson has consistently demonstrated exceptional athleticism and football intelligence, attributes that have made him a coveted prospect nationwide. His decision to commit to Ohio State is particularly noteworthy given his extensive recruitment process, which included official visits to several top-tier programs. In February 2025, Johnson had scheduled official visits to Alabama and Oklahoma, with plans to visit USC in June. Additionally, he had expressed intentions to visit Oregon and Stanford during the spring, indicating a wide array of interests before finalizing his commitment.

 

Ohio State’s recruitment of Johnson has been both strategic and persistent. The Buckeyes extended an offer to him in September 2024 following a game-day visit for the Marshall contest. Johnson has since made multiple visits to Columbus, building a strong rapport with the coaching staff and gaining familiarity with the program’s culture and defensive schemes. His commitment is expected to bolster Ohio State’s defensive lineup significantly, adding depth and versatility to their linebacker corps.

 

The decision also underscores Ohio State’s continued dominance in securing top in-state talent. Glenville High School, Johnson’s alma mater, has historically been a pipeline for the Buckeyes, producing notable alumni who have made substantial contributions to the program. Johnson’s commitment reinforces this tradition and highlights the program’s ability to attract elite prospects from Ohio.

 

For USC and Alabama, Johnson’s decision represents a notable recruiting loss. Both programs had invested considerable effort into his recruitment, with USC’s defensive coordinator, D’Anton Lynn, visiting Johnson in late January, followed by head coach Lincoln Riley’s trip to Cleveland. Alabama, known for its storied defensive tradition, had also been a strong contender, hosting Johnson during their Junior Day event in early February.

 

Johnson’s commitment to Ohio State is expected to have a ripple effect on the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts, potentially influencing other top defensive prospects considering the program. His decision not only enhances Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class but also solidifies their defensive outlook for the future.

 

As Johnson prepares to embark on his collegiate career, Ohio State fans and analysts alike anticipate his impact on the field. His blend of size, speed, and football acumen positions him well to contribute early and significantly to the Buckeyes’ defensive efforts in the coming

seasons.