BREAKING: 2026 Four-Star LB Cincere Johnson Commits To Ohio State!

Cincere Johnson Commits to Ohio State, Adds Speed and Physicality to Buckeyes' Defense

COLUMBUS, OHIO — The Buckeyes have landed one of the top players in the State of Ohio, and one of their top targets. That being 2026 Four-Star LB Cincere Johnson out of Glenville. He was one of the Buckeyes top targets in this class.

One of the very long term prospects in this 2026 Class as he’s been offered since 2024. Not many schools tried to push for Johnson besides Alabama and Penn State.

The Cincere Johnson Profile:

Johnson picked Ohio State over Alabama and Penn State. The 6’3 225lbs LB is an athletic monster on the field. He attends Glenville High School located in Cleveland, Ohio. Johnson checks out as one of the top Linebackers in the country. He’s a dominant force.

Scouting Report:

Johnson is able to get in One-On-One coverage and stand his own ground. He has good coverage technique. And his athleticism is just unreal for a Linebacker. He’s such a versatile player, and he reminds you of Arvell Reese but more of just it’s the Glenville LB way. He is football smart, and a smart player overall.

He should be an elite scheme fit in Matt Patricia’s defense. His size, twitch and athleticism give him a perfect fit to excel. His disruptive traits would shine as well.

In his Junior Season, Johnson had a phenomenal season. He had 205 Tackles, 41 TFLs, 8.5 Sacks, 3 FFs, 2 Fumble Recovery TDs, and 2 Pass Breakups. He earned All-Ohio 1st Team Defense Honors as well.

Rankings:

ON3 - 39 NATL, 3 LB, 1 OH

247Sports - 80 NATL, 9 LB, 2 OH

Rivals - 88 NATL, 4 LB, 3 OH

ESPN - 180 NATL, 15 LB, 9 OH

The Commitment Chase:

The Buckeyes were always viewed as the favorites for Johnson. Especially when they offered, and they were for majority and most likely the whole recruitment. As mentioned, not many schools kept pushing for Johnson after the Buckeyes offered besides two. Alabama was the biggest threat throughout the whole recruitment to the Buckeyes. Penn State had their chances but couldn’t compare to the Buckeyes and Alabama.

Back in April 2024 before he was offered by the Buckeyes, he spoke very highly of them. What would an Ohio State offer do to Johnson’s recruitment? He said, “Get ting the offer would be a dream come true not for just me but for any Ohio kid.” And he also would say, “I can see myself being a Buckeye.” It’s safe to say, Buckeye Nation is going to enjoy Cincere Johnson when he gets to Columbus.

Ohio State 2026 Football Recruiting Class:

Five-Star WR Chris Henry Jr (CA)

Five-Star SAF Blaine Bradford (LA)

Four-Star LB Cincere Johnson (OH)*

Four-Star SAF Simeon Caldwell (FL)

Four-Star IOL Maxwell Riley (OH)

Four-Star WR Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (CA)

Four-Star CB Jordan Thomas (NJ)

Four-Star RB Favour Akih (OH)

Four-Star DL Khary Wilder (CA)

Four-Star OT Sam Greer (OH)

Four-Star DB Jakob Weatherspoon (OH)

Four-Star WR Jaeden Ricketts (OH)

Four-Star WR Brock Boyd (TX)

Three-Star TE Corbyn Fordham (FL)

Three-Star IOL Tucker Smith (AZ)