Cincere Johnson
Freshman linebacker on Ohio State's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′3″ · 237 lb · Cleveland, OH · Glenville
Recruiting
LB recruit
No. 16 nationally · Signed with Ohio State
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
1 linebacker on Ohio State's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 5-star recruit to Ohio State in 2026.
Cincere Johnson
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
His career
2026
- Signed with Ohio State5-star out of Glenville
Career arc
Splits & context
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Ryan Day
Scheme reads (pass share, tempo, sack rate) need at least 3 team games — 2 games in so far.
Awards
A five-star recruit at linebacker for Ohio State -- now projected at an All-Conference level in the middle of the defense.
He hasn't recorded a college stat yet. Here's what we know about him.
Grades highest in hit power and pursuit.
Ohio State has produced 7 All-Conference linebackers and 2 All-Americans. 12 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2014. Sonny Styles was one of them, an All-American.
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Ohio State
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Linebacker · Ohio State
Returning around him
- 11 Ohio State players drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: -21 net (17 in / 38 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Ohio State · Last season: 12-2 (AP #3) · Talent rank #5 · 2026 recruiting class #4
Background
Majoring in Business Undecided High School/Personal A four-star prospect who was the No. 1-ranked player in the state of Ohio. Had three consecutive seasons of 100 or more tackles for Glenville. Was the Cleveland.com Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 as a junior when he totaled 205 tackles, 41...
The linebacker corps · Ohio State
- #14Christian Alliegro48 tackles · 2025
- #26Payton Pierce44 tackles · 2025
- #5Riley Pettijohn9 tackles · 2025
- #17Tarvos Alford6 tackles · 2025
- #20Cincere Johnsonno box-score line yet
9 more on the roster · Ohio State team page