There’s no question who resides at the top of James Laurinaitis’ wish list for the 2026 recruiting class.
As four-star Ohio linebacker Cincere Johnson flashed throughout last month’s Under Armour Next camp, the Glenville standout showcased his technique, potential, raw athleticism and dominated his one-on-one reps, earning him an invitation to the Under Armour All-America Game.
“Today was good. Being able to come out here and compete with everybody, have fun and get in some reps,” Johnson said. “It’s always a blessing being invited to the All-America Game, it’s things kids dream of and I was able to accomplish it today.”
Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Johnson is considered the No. 101 prospect and No. 6 linebacker in the 2026 class. He’s been a frequent visitor in Columbus over the past year and each time he’s visited, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker has been complimentary of both the on-field and off-field product.
“Ryan Day, James Laurinaitis and just the brotherhood and relationships that are going on down in Columbus,” Johnson said of what stands out to him the most about Ohio State. “The transfer portal just happened and Ohio State is one of the schools that just shows that brotherhood, that stands out to me every time.
“I’ve been able to see how things are run this spring coming off a national championship. They’re not getting too lax. The addition of coach (Matt) Patricia also shows the things that he brings to the table and the way Ohio State is going to be run this year.”
Johnson paid close attention to the Buckeyes’ linebackers last season and was impressed with how they impacted the game.
“They have high production,” Johnson said of his main takeaway from OSU’s linebackers. “The things (Laurinaitis) was able to do with Sonny Styles, Cody Simon and Arvell Reese, it shows.
“(Coach Laurinaitis) being able to come from that program, win the Butkus Award, being the all-time leading tackler for the Rams, it shows that he’s done things that other coaches haven’t. He can produce some of the best linebackers.”
In particular, Johnson watched Reese, his former high school teammate and the player he looked up to the most as an underclassman.
“That’s my best friend,” Johnson said of Reese. “He was my mentor coming into high school. He kind of helped put me on the map and showed me the ropes. He’s looking to have a big year.
“He encourages me (to join Ohio State), but he also encourages me to make the best decision for me. He’s been a close friend of mine ever since I met him. He’s a great guy and always puts the right words in my ear.”
It’s well-known by everyone who plays for Ted Ginn Sr. that the famous Glenville-to-Ohio State pipeline has thrived for the Buckeyes over the years, with Reese, Bryce West and Damarion Witten being the latest examples in the past few recruiting cycles. Knowing that backstory hits the right chord with Johnson.
“It would mean a lot,” Johnson said of the opportunity to keep the pipeline going. “To join the history and tradition, and also be able to write my own side story on that history, that would mean a lot.”
While Johnson built a close relationship with former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles since he was in eighth grade, and it’s one of the primary reasons Penn State is still alive in Johnson’s recruitment, he’s also bonded quickly with OSU’s new defensive mastermind Matt Patricia.
“He’s an awesome coach coming from the league and making things smarter, easier and more fun,” Johnson said of Patricia. “Coach Patricia is definitely a defensive coordinator anyone would want to play for.”
Johnson has been told by OSU coaches he could play multiple positions in Columbus, including Mike, Will or lining up on the edge. He was impressed by the Buckeyes having 14 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, saying they didn’t have the most picks from any school for “no reason.”
Johnson is in the final stages of his recruitment, as he announced a top three on Tuesday consisting of OSU, Alabama and Penn State. He has official visits set up with all three, and a decision could come shortly after those conclude. OSU has done a tremendous job prioritizing Johnson throughout his recruitment, but now it’ll have to continue to leave a favorable impression in the final leg of his decision-making process.
Blessed to be in this position! Thanks to my lord and savior! What We Thinking https://t.co/UGcZOrGpSo
— Cincere Johnson 4 (@JCincere8) May 6, 2025
“I’m thinking I’ll make a decision sometime after my official visits,” Johnson said. “(I’m looking for) development. I’m a player who fell in love with the game. So I just want to be developed, make it to the league and surround myself with great guys and that brotherhood. That’s what it all comes down to. Where it feels like family, where I can stay without transferring because I’m a man of my word, so I won’t be looking for the transfer portal.”
