Five-Star Linebacker Cincere Johnson Commits to Ohio State Over Alabama and USC

In the competitive world of college football recruiting, few decisions are as closely watched and dissected as the commitment of five-star athletes. These athletes possess the talent and potential to not only impact the programs they join but to shape the future of college football for years to come. One of the most anticipated recruiting decisions of the year has finally been made, as five-star linebacker Cincere Johnson has officially committed to Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over two other major programs: Alabama and USC.

The Recruiting Journey of Cincere Johnson

Cincere Johnson’s recruitment has been one of the most talked-about stories of the 2025 class. The 6’3″, 230-pound linebacker from Liberty High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the country. Johnson’s reputation for his explosive speed, high football IQ, and ability to make plays all over the field has made him a highly coveted recruit by nearly every powerhouse program in the nation.

His recruitment journey started with a wave of offers from elite programs across the country, with major schools like Alabama, USC, Ohio State, Georgia, and others vying for his commitment. As his recruitment stretched on, it became clear that this would be a three-team race. Alabama, with its storied defensive tradition and recent success, was always expected to be a major contender. USC, on the other hand, had the allure of playing in the Pac-12 and the chance to shine on the West Coast under head coach Lincoln Riley. However, in the end, it was Ohio State that emerged victorious.

Why Ohio State?

The decision to commit to Ohio State over Alabama and USC was a monumental one, and Johnson cited several key factors that ultimately led to his choice.

1. Development Under Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles:

One of the primary reasons for Johnson’s decision to choose Ohio State was the opportunity to develop under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Known for his innovative defensive schemes and ability to develop elite linebackers, Knowles has earned a reputation as one of the best defensive minds in college football. Johnson, who is a versatile linebacker capable of playing inside and outside linebacker roles, sees a perfect fit in Ohio State’s defense, which focuses on aggression, speed, and versatility. The chance to work directly with Knowles and develop his skills at the linebacker position was a major selling point for Johnson, as he believes Ohio State will best help him refine his game for the next level, whether that be the NFL or beyond.

2. Ohio State’s Tradition of Linebacker Play:

Ohio State has long been known for its rich tradition of producing some of the best linebackers in college football history. Players like Chris Spielman, A.J. Hawk, and more recently, Darron Lee and Pete Werner have all etched their names in Buckeye lore as outstanding linebackers. Johnson clearly saw this legacy as an opportunity to add his name to a list of elite players who have donned the scarlet and gray. The tradition of producing NFL talent at the linebacker position made Ohio State an appealing destination for Johnson, as he wants to follow in the footsteps of those who have succeeded in both college and the professional ranks.

3. The Ohio State Culture and Winning Environment:

When asked about his decision, Johnson spoke highly of the winning culture at Ohio State, which has been consistent under head coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes have been perennial contenders for the Big Ten title and have made numerous playoff appearances over the past decade. The opportunity to compete at the highest level year in and year out, with a chance to play for national championships, was a significant draw for Johnson. With Ohio State’s tradition of excellence, the chance to be part of a winning program that consistently attracts the best talent across the country was a factor that weighed heavily in his decision.

4. Close to Home:

Another factor in Johnson’s decision was the proximity of Ohio State to his hometown of Pittsburgh. While Alabama and USC are both top-tier programs, their distance from Johnson’s family played a role in the final decision. Ohio State, being only a few hours away from Pittsburgh, would allow Johnson’s family to attend games regularly and be more involved in his college career. The sense of community and family support was important for Johnson, who has always been close to his roots and values the input of his loved ones.

5. The Ohio State-SEC Rivalry:

While Johnson was heavily recruited by Alabama, the SEC powerhouse program, he spoke about the appeal of joining the Big Ten and competing against the best in the conference. Ohio State’s fierce rivalry with teams like Michigan, Penn State, and other top Big Ten schools was something Johnson saw as a perfect fit for his competitive nature. His ability to make an immediate impact in the Big Ten and contribute to the Buckeyes’ quest for conference titles and playoff berths was a big selling point. The chance to face off against some of the toughest competition in college football, both in the Big Ten and on the national stage, was another factor that made Ohio State stand out.

Alabama’s Close Call

While Johnson ultimately chose Ohio State, it wasn’t for lack of trying on Alabama’s part. The Crimson Tide, known for their dominant defense under head coach Nick Saban, has produced numerous NFL-caliber linebackers over the years, such as Rolando McClain, C.J. Mosley, and more recently, Will Anderson Jr. Johnson was highly interested in playing for Saban and the Tide, but ultimately, the allure of Ohio State’s defensive coaching staff and the chance to play in the Big Ten outweighed Alabama’s appeal.

The Crimson Tide’s track record of success, with multiple national championships in recent years, made them a strong contender for Johnson’s services. However, in a decision that surprised some analysts, Johnson chose to stay closer to home and take his talents to Columbus, Ohio.

USC and the West Coast Option

USC, with its storied history and the rise of Lincoln Riley as head coach, was another program that had made significant strides in the recruitment of Cincere Johnson. The Trojans have always been a prestigious program with a rich legacy, especially under Pete Carroll in the mid-2000s. USC was a program that could offer Johnson the chance to play on the West Coast, and the appeal of the Trojans’ offense and their push to become a national contender once again was undoubtedly an attractive factor.

However, despite the intrigue of playing for Riley, known for his success as an offensive mind at Oklahoma, Johnson ultimately felt that the defensive-oriented culture at Ohio State was a better fit for his goals. He also expressed that the chance to contribute to Ohio State’s push for national championships, in front of passionate fans, was a factor that USC, despite its appeal, couldn’t match in his mind.

The Impact of Johnson’s Commitment

Cincere Johnson’s commitment to Ohio State is a major victory for head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts. Johnson adds to an already impressive class for Ohio State, one that is expected to continue to compete for national championships in the coming years. Johnson’s ability to make an immediate impact in the linebacker corps and elevate the defense will be crucial for Ohio State as they look to continue their dominance in the Big Ten and on the national stage.

Moreover, Johnson’s commitment also strengthens Ohio State’s position in the ongoing battle for top talent in the Midwest. By securing a player of his caliber, the Buckeyes send a message that they are not only capable of competing with the SEC and other elite programs but that they are a destination for top recruits across the nation.

Looking Ahead: Ohio State’s Future with Cincere Johnson

With Johnson now committed, Ohio State’s future looks even brighter. His presence on the defense will help bolster a unit that has consistently been one of the top in the country. As a versatile and athletic linebacker, Johnson is expected to make an immediate impact in 2025, potentially starting from day one.

For Johnson, his commitment to Ohio State is just the beginning of what he hopes will be a successful college career. The road ahead is filled with challenges, but with the resources, coaching, and environment provided by Ohio State, he is poised to develop into one of the nation’s top linebackers, setting himself up for a bright future in football.

Cincere Johnson’s commitment to Ohio State over Alabama and USC marks a turning point in his recruitment, and it solidifies the Buckeyes as one of the premier programs in college football for years to come. The road ahead will be filled with high expectations, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that Johnson is more than ready to rise to the challenge.