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Ohio State Gets Good News on Highly Touted Star on Thursday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a new recruiting commitment.
On3’s Mick Walker reported Thursday that four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson has committed to the Buckeyes.
“BOOOOOOM,” Walker tweeted. “In-state linebacker Cincere Johnson commits to Ohio State.
“The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Johnson is the No. 70 overall pick prospect in the 2026 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.”
Johnson chose the Buckeyes over the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The linebacker also had offers from other elite programs.
Johnson announced his recruitment decision following an official visit to Columbus, Ohio, last weekend.
That was one of several trips Johnson took to see the Ohio State campus.
It’s possible Johnson’s family played a major role in the linebacker’s choice.
“They loved it,” Johnson told On3. “So that plays a big role there. Their biggest thing was just being able to feel the brotherhood and the camaraderie.
“My family’s biggest thing is their son is going to a place and wanting him to feel at home. And they felt that, that’s what they told me this weekend. So just the living situation, the school aspect and the community, obviously.”
The 247Sports composite rankings placed Johnson at No. 2 among all Ohio recruits in the 2026 class. Johnson was also the No. 8 edge rusher and a top 75 prospect (No. 71 overall), like he is on On3’s overall rankings.
With Johnson, the Buckeyes have 16 commits in the 2026 recruiting class. Their class is No. 3 overall according to 247Sports.
The USC Trojans and Texas A&M Aggies are the only schools ranked ahead of the Buckeyes.
Related: Ohio State Gets Clear Message From Highly Touted Five-Star
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
