Better Know A Buckeye is our look at every member of Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class and how they became Buckeyes as they prepare to begin their OSU careers this fall.
The Glenville-to-Ohio State pipeline has been good for the Buckeyes, as plenty of former Tarblooders have become standouts at OSU as well. Cincere Johnson, the top-rated linebacker in the 2026 class, hopes to be the next to make a name for himself in Columbus.
Cincere Johnson
- Size: 6-3/222
- Position: LB
- School: Glenville (Cleveland, Ohio)
- 247 Sports Composite: ★★★★★
- Composite Rank: #16 (#1 LB)
Background
Even before Johnson earned his long-awaited offer from Ohio State in September 2024, the Glenville standout had been a frequent visitor to Columbus. He became the third in-state linebacker in the 2026 class to earn an offer from the Buckeyes, but quickly rose to the top of the pecking order as Ohio State’s top target at the position.
For the 6-foot-3, 222-pound linebacker, Ohio State stood out to him not only because of James Laurinaitis' playing experience at the college and NFL level, but the way he’s developed Buckeye linebackers in his short time as a coach in Columbus. Arvell Reese is one of the many examples of development, and the former Glenville standout didn't shy away from wanting Johnson to follow in his shoes and don the scarlet and gray.
“That’s my best friend,” Johnson said of Reese in May 2025. “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.”
Johnson wanted to continue the Glenville-to-Ohio State pipeline and play for the Buckeyes.
“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.”
On June 18, 2025, he turned that dream into a reality, committing to Ohio State and following in the footsteps of his best friend, among others, while also wanting to create his own story. It seemed like only a matter of time and not if, but when, Johnson would indeed pledge to the Buckeyes, but he did his due diligence and went through the entire recruiting process to ensure he made the correct decision.
Beginning his sophomore season, Johnson made quite a name for himself at Glenville. He totaled 121 tackles (24 tackles for loss), seven sacks and three forced fumbles that season.
As a junior, Johnson had 205 tackles (41 TFL), 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. He was named All-Ohio Defensive Player of the Year for his dominance.
In his final season at Glenville, the linebacker notched 185 tackles (42 TFL), 13.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. He was named MaxPreps Ohio Player of the Year and All-Ohio Defensive Player for the Year for the second consecutive season while leading the Tarblooders to the OHSAA Division IV state championship.
When OSU offered Johnson, he was ranked as the No. 115 overall prospect (No. 8 linebacker) in the class. He finished as the No. 16 overall prospect and No. 1 linebacker in the class, and one of three composite five-star prospects to sign with the Buckeyes in 2026.
Scouting Report
Johnson has the speed to drop into coverage and the size and physicality to create havoc in the run gaps and backfield when called upon. Whether it's on the ball or off of it, the linebacker has the athleticism to make plays all over the field.
When it comes to chasing down an opposing ballcarrier, Johnson not only has the instincts and quickness to chase the player down, but the explosiveness and hard-hitting ability to create turnovers as well.
While he must improve his tactics as a pass-rusher, Johnson will be a do-it-all linebacker once that happens. His physicality, athleticism and proven playmaking ability should turn him into a lethal player and the next star linebacker for Ohio State.
Depth Chart Outlook
Johnson has the raw potential, skill set and size to not only be on the two-deep to begin his first season as a Buckeye but push for playing time early as a five-star prospect and early enrollee. That said, he’ll face plenty of competition to get on the field in 2026, as Payton Pierce, Riley Pettijohn, TJ Alford and incoming transfer Christian Alliegro are the top candidates to lead the depth chart this year.
But even if the 2026 season ends up being a developmental year for Johnson, he will compete for a major role in his second season in 2027. As the top-ranked linebacker in his recruiting class, it shouldn’t take long for the Glenville standout to prove he belongs on the field in same capacity.
Better Know A Buckeye
Player Comparison: Raekwon McMillan
While the most obvious comparison for Johnson would be Reese, given the Glenville ties and the latter's standout season in 2025, he more resembles former Ohio State linebacker Raekwon McMillan.
In three seasons as a Buckeye, the 6-foot-2, 243-pounder totaled 275 tackles (17.5 TFL), six sacks, one interception, nine passes defended, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. McMillan led Ohio State in tackles in 2015 (119) and 2016 (102).
After those two standout seasons, McMillan was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. He notched 285 tackles (15 TFL) and one sack across five NFL seasons.
Johnson's speed and versatility should allow him to both drop back in coverage and rush the opponent's backfield, the same way McMillan once did. And, just like the latter, Johnson could very well lead Ohio State in tackles for multiple seasons before becoming an NFL draft pick.
