The Ohio State Buckeyes are actively pursuing top 2026 linebacker Cincere Johnson, a highly touted prospect from Cleveland’s Glenville High School. Johnson, ranked as the No. 9 linebacker in the country by the 247 Sports Composite, has garnered significant attention from several powerhouse programs, including Alabama, Oklahoma, and USC.
The Glenville to Columbus Pipeline
The Buckeyes have historically maintained a strong recruiting pipeline from Glenville High School, with recent recruits including linebacker Arvell Reese, cornerback Bryce West, and tight end Damarion Witten. Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker, could be the next piece in this pipeline. Ohio State’s familiarity with Glenville’s program and its ability to develop top talent from the school may give the Buckeyes an edge in Johnson’s recruitment.
Recruitment Update
Johnson has scheduled multiple official visits, starting with Alabama on May 3, followed by Oklahoma the next weekend. He will then visit Columbus on June 13, which is expected to be a significant recruiting weekend for the Buckeyes. Johnson will also visit USC on June 20. With nearly 30 offers from top programs, including Florida, Michigan, Miami, Penn State, and Notre Dame, Johnson’s recruitment is highly competitive.
Ohio State’s Linebacker Situation
The Buckeyes are poised to start Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese at linebacker next year, but by 2026, when Johnson would arrive, the team may be looking to new faces to fill the position. This could create an opportunity for Johnson to make an immediate impact. James Laurinaitis, Ohio State’s linebackers coach, has demonstrated his recruiting prowess since taking over the role, bringing in top talent like Riley Pettijohn, Tarvos Alford, and Eli Lee.
Current Standing and Future Decision
While Ohio State is currently the favorite to land Johnson, Alabama has also made a strong impression on the young linebacker. Johnson has stated that he will not make a decision until at least late summer, before his senior season, giving the Buckeyes and other programs time to continue building their relationships with him. As it stands, Ohio State is well-positioned in Johnson’s recruitment, but the competition is expected to remain fierce.
Conclusion
The recruitment of Cincere Johnson is a high-priority target for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the team’s ability to secure his commitment would be a significant coup. With its strong pipeline from Glenville High School and its reputation for developing top talent, Ohio State is well-equipped to make a compelling case to Johnson. As the recruitment process unfolds, the Buckeyes will need to continue to build their relationship with Johnson and demonstrate why they are the best fit for his future.
