5-Star Elite Linebacker Cincere Johnson Flips Commitment to Ohio State Over USC Trojans and Alabama Crimson Tide

Cincere Johnson, one of the most coveted high school linebackers in the country, has made headlines once again, this time for his decision to flip his commitment from his original destination to Ohio State. The highly ranked recruit, known for his exceptional athleticism, instincts, and leadership qualities on the field, had been a major target for some of the most prestigious college football programs in the country. However, after months of speculation and visits, Johnson chose to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes, turning down the likes of the USC Trojans and Alabama Crimson Tide.

This commitment flip, which has shaken the recruiting world, provides significant insights into Johnson’s mentality, Ohio State’s ability to close on top recruits, and what this means for the future of college football.

The Recruiting Journey of Cincere Johnson

Cincere Johnson’s recruiting journey has been one of intrigue and excitement, as he emerged as one of the premier linebacker prospects in the 2025 class. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing in at around 220 pounds, Johnson has the frame of a prototypical linebacker, with the agility, speed, and explosiveness to match. He was already generating national buzz in his sophomore year of high school, and by the time his junior season rolled around, he had firmly cemented himself as a top-five linebacker prospect and a consensus 5-star recruit.

His skill set as a linebacker made him a terror on the field. Johnson’s ability to read offenses, his sideline-to-sideline range, and his knack for finding the ball made him a standout. Whether dropping into coverage or rushing the passer, Johnson was always around the ball, making plays and causing havoc in the backfield. He has a relentless motor that never quits, which made him a highly coveted prospect for college programs desperate to add talent at the linebacker position.

As Johnson’s recruitment began to heat up, he started receiving offers from every major program in the country. Among the schools at the forefront of his recruitment were USC, Alabama, and Ohio State—three programs with storied histories and championship pedigree.

The recruitment battle between these three teams was a fascinating subplot. USC, under head coach Lincoln Riley, had become a serious contender for top recruits in recent years, thanks to Riley’s offensive prowess and his ability to turn programs into national championship contenders. Alabama, on the other hand, had been a perennial powerhouse under Nick Saban, attracting top talent year after year, while Ohio State had made its own push as one of the premier programs in the nation under Ryan Day.

USC Trojans: A Strong Contender

From the outset, USC was considered a serious contender for Johnson’s commitment. Lincoln Riley had made it a priority to recruit defensive players who could complement his high-powered offense, and Johnson seemed like the perfect fit for his vision. The Trojans had been successful in attracting top talent on both sides of the ball, and their 2025 recruiting class was shaping up to be one of the best in the country.

USC’s defense, while traditionally not as strong as its offense, had seen significant improvements under Riley and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. The Trojans’ ability to develop players and get them ready for the next level, particularly at linebacker, was a key selling point in their pitch to Johnson. They emphasized how he would be a centerpiece of their defense and could make an immediate impact on the field.

Additionally, the opportunity to stay close to home in Southern California was another appealing factor for Johnson. Growing up in California, staying in-state was an attractive option, especially considering how USC’s campus is a short distance away from his home.

However, despite all the allure of playing in Los Angeles and joining a rejuvenated USC defense, Johnson ultimately decided to go in a different direction, passing on the Trojans in favor of a commitment to a different program.

Alabama Crimson Tide: The Legacy of Nick Saban

No discussion of top college football programs is complete without mentioning Alabama. The Crimson Tide, under head coach Nick Saban, has built an empire over the past two decades. Alabama is known for developing players into elite NFL prospects and consistently competing for national championships. For Cincere Johnson, the thought of joining the likes of Alabama’s famed linebacker corps, which has produced stars like Rolando McClain, Reuben Foster, and more recently, Will Anderson Jr., was undoubtedly appealing.

The Crimson Tide’s strong recruitment and player development program would have been a powerful draw for Johnson. With his skill set, Johnson would have been an ideal fit in Alabama’s defense, where his versatility could have allowed him to make an immediate impact. Saban’s reputation for molding players into NFL-ready prospects was a key part of the pitch made to Johnson, as he would have been developed into one of the premier linebackers in the nation.

In addition, Alabama’s track record of success in winning championships year in and year out meant that Johnson would be joining a program that was always competing for a national title. The idea of playing in front of a passionate fan base in Bryant-Denny Stadium and competing for national championships was certainly appealing.

However, while Alabama made a strong case and was always a major player in the recruitment, Johnson eventually decided that his future would be at Ohio State. His decision to choose the Buckeyes marked the end of Alabama’s bid to land the elite linebacker.

Ohio State Buckeyes: A Champion’s Program and a Rising Power

Ohio State’s program has consistently been one of the top in the nation, and Ryan Day has successfully kept the Buckeyes in national title contention every year. The opportunity to play for a program that has a winning tradition, rich history, and elite coaching staff is undoubtedly attractive to any top recruit, and for Johnson, Ohio State’s combination of factors—on and off the field—made it the ideal destination.

Ohio State has been one of the most consistent programs in college football, competing in the College Football Playoff year after year. The Buckeyes have a storied tradition, having won eight national championships, including the 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship. With a roster filled with future NFL talent and a coaching staff led by Ryan Day, Ohio State has shown that it can compete with the best.

For Johnson, the pitch from Ohio State emphasized the chance to play for a national championship contender, while also being developed under the guidance of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who has made a significant impact on the Buckeyes’ defense since his arrival. Ohio State’s ability to develop linebackers and their tradition of producing top-tier defensive players was a major selling point. Ohio State’s defensive philosophy, which emphasizes speed, tackling, and intelligence, is a perfect match for Johnson’s skill set, and his ability to impact both the run and passing game was central to the Buckeyes’ pitch.

Additionally, Johnson was drawn to the culture and family atmosphere at Ohio State. The program’s emphasis on player development, both on and off the field, stood out to Johnson as he weighed his options. The opportunity to make an immediate impact on a defense that already boasts top-tier talent was a major factor in his decision. Ohio State’s passionate fan base, competitive practices, and tradition of excellence ultimately made it clear to Johnson that this was the place where he could grow into the player he aspired to be.

The Impact of Johnson’s Commitment to Ohio State

Cincere Johnson’s flip to Ohio State is a huge win for the Buckeyes and solidifies their already impressive recruiting class. His decision adds another elite player to their defense, which is becoming a feared unit in the Big Ten and nationally. Johnson’s versatility as a linebacker will allow him to contribute in various roles, whether as a traditional linebacker, a pass rusher, or in coverage.

With Johnson joining the fold, Ohio State is poised to continue its dominance in the Big Ten and beyond. His arrival enhances the Buckeyes’ defense, which has already shown significant improvement under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Having an elite linebacker like Johnson provides Ohio State with another weapon to compete against high-powered offenses, especially in the College Football Playoff.

For the Trojans and Crimson Tide, missing out on Johnson’s commitment is undoubtedly a setback. Both programs have a rich tradition of success and have been able to land top-tier recruits year after year, but losing out on Johnson to a rival program is a blow to their efforts. While they will continue to recruit at a high level, Johnson’s decision to choose Ohio State shows the increasing power of the Buckeyes on the national stage.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cincere Johnson

Cincere Johnson’s decision to flip his commitment to Ohio State marks just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career for the young linebacker. With his skill set and work ethic, Johnson is primed to make an immediate impact on the Buckeyes’ defense. Whether it’s during his freshman year or later in his career, Johnson’s leadership and talent will undoubtedly shape the future of Ohio State’s defense.

As the college football season progresses and Johnson prepares to step onto campus, his decision to commit to Ohio State over USC and Alabama will continue to reverberate throughout the college football landscape. The impact of his commitment goes beyond just one player—it represents the increasing power and influence of Ohio State as a national powerhouse, and it underscores the importance of recruiting in shaping the future of college football.

For now, Buckeyes fans can rejoice, knowing that one of the top linebacker prospects in the country is coming to Columbus to help lead their defense to new heights.