Image source: AP Photo/Jay LaPrete
As Ohio State gears up for its crucial New Year’s Eve showdown with Miami, another story is emerging off the field. On the recruiting front, head coach Ryan Day got a boost when four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson earned a prestigious national honor that no other Buckeyes commit claimed this season.
Hailing from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Cincere Johnson was named a First Team National Rivals All-American. This distinction makes him the only Ohio State commit to receive the award this year, highlighting both his talent and the promise he brings to the Buckeyes’ defense.
Cincere Johnson expressed his excitement on X, saying, “Being named a First Team National Rivals All-American is such an honor!”
The recognition is a major milestone in Johnson’s career and reinforces his choice to commit to Ohio State over powerhouse programs like Alabama and Penn State. For Johnson, joining the Buckeyes has always been meaningful.
“This is incredibly meaningful to me,” he said. “Ohio State has a proud tradition, and watching so many players I look up to come through this program makes me feel fortunate to be part of it.”
Cincere Johnson’s senior season was remarkable. He led Glenville to a 12-3 record and captured the OHSAA Division IV state title, while the team’s defense allowed just 10.8 points per game. Individually, he recorded 134 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks, consistently disrupting opposing offenses.
He also shined in the postseason. In the state semifinals, Johnson tallied 17 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups. In the championship game against Shelby, Glenville dominated 45-7, holding Shelby to just 27 total yards.
Over his high school career, Johnson compiled 326 tackles, 65 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles, cementing his reputation as a defensive force.
His awards don’t stop with Rivals. Cincere Johnson was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the All-USA Midwest Football Team and is a finalist for the national version of the honor, with results set for December 30. He also earned the 2025 MaxPreps Ohio High School Football Player of the Year award, solidifying his status as the state’s top talent.
These honors put him in contention for the MaxPreps All-America Team, joining a list of former Buckeyes like Drew Allar, Corey Kiner, and Jordan Marshall.
While Johnson represents the future of Ohio State’s defense, Ryan Day’s focus remains on the present. For the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal against Miami, Day has resumed offensive play-calling duties after Brian Hartline moved on to become head coach at South Florida.
Hartline, however, will remain with Ohio State through the College Football Playoff, continuing to coach wide receivers. Day stressed that preparing for Miami will be a collaborative effort, with multiple assistant coaches contributing.
Day has plenty of experience calling plays, having handled the role for his first five seasons as head coach. Under Hartline this year, Ohio State averaged 429.5 yards per game and ranked fifth nationally on offense. The question of the next offensive coordinator will be a major storyline in the program’s offseason.
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