5-Star Elite Linebacker Cincere Johnson Flips Commitment to Ohio State Over USC and Alabama
In a stunning turn of events, five-star linebacker Cincere Johnson has flipped his commitment to Ohio State, spurning USC and Alabama in the process. Johnson, one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 class, had previously been heavily linked to the Trojans and Crimson Tide but ultimately decided that Columbus was the best fit for his future.
Johnson made his announcement via social media, citing Ohio State’s player development, defensive scheme, and coaching staff as key reasons for his decision. “After a lot of thought and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to commit to THE Ohio State University,” Johnson wrote. “This was the hardest decision of my life, but I know OSU is where I belong.”
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker from Houston, Texas, is known for his elite athleticism, sideline-to-sideline speed, and high football IQ. He had initially leaned toward USC, drawn to Lincoln Riley’s vision and the Trojans’ recent recruiting surge. Alabama was also firmly in the mix, given Nick Saban’s track record of developing top-tier defensive talent. However, Johnson’s recent visit to Columbus reportedly sealed the deal, with head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles making a strong impression.
For Ohio State, landing Johnson is a massive win, solidifying their 2025 recruiting class as one of the nation’s best. The Buckeyes continue to build a dominant defense, and Johnson is expected to be an immediate impact player.
This decision shakes up the recruiting landscape, dealing a significant blow to both USC and Alabama. While the Trojans and Tide will now look elsewhere, Ohio State fans are celebrating the addition of a future defensive star who could be the next great Buckeye linebacker.
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