Ohio State has added Cincere Johnson. Here's what it means.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State earned a massive commitment on Thursday afternoon as four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson announced his pledge to the Buckeyes. Johnson, the No. 71 overall prospect in the 2026 class per the 247Sports composite rankings, attends Glenville High School in Cleveland.
The talented linebacker was the second linebacker commit in the cycle, and one that should pair nicely with fellow commit CJ Sanna.Ohio State football’s former first-round NFL cornerback signs with the Houston Texans: Buckeye BreakfastHe’s fast and physical, and is quick to identify plays in the backfield — he says his football intelligence was his best attribute. At 6-foot-3 and 228 pounds, he’s go the ideal fit to be a playmaking linebacker at the next level. He’ll be used in an off-ball role, but said that linebackers coach James Laurinaitis and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia will have him blitz off the edge and use him all over Ohio State’s defense. The role can be compared to current Ohio State linebacker and former Glenville standout Arvell Reese, who seems primed for a breakout season in 2025. That relationship Johnson has with Reese certainly helped lead him to Ohio State. “A hundred percent,” Johnson told Cleveland.com of the relationship aiding in his decision. “Me and Arvell got so much in common. Eight has always been a special number to me since I was born. I was born on the eighth. I have it tattooed on me. Arvell coming through in that number, and he go to Ohio State and obviously it’s getting passed on. It’s obviously a tradition and it’s like a pillar of the greatness, man.” Now, the Buckeyes have two linebacker commits in the 2026 class with Johnson and Sanna. And with five-star Tyler Atkinson not taking an official visit to Ohio State, it seems as if the Buckeyes might be set with three linebackers in the class. Ohio State’s 2026 class now ranks as the No. 3 class in the nation, behind only USC and Texas A&M. And with the Buckeyes having two safety commitments, two cornerback commitments and two linebacker commitments, the back seven of the defense might be nearing completion. The Buckeyes will likely look for another cornerback in the class, and are after five-star safety Bralan Womack as well. But at linebacker, they might be all done. By getting Johnson’s pledge, Ohio State has added a remarkably talented linebacker, and might’ve wrapped up its 2026 linebacker recruiting all in one day. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our
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