After ‘Great’ Official Visit to Ohio State, Glenville Four-Star Cornerback Cincere Johnson Has Commitment Announcement Straight Ahead

The recruiting trail continues to heat up for the Buckeyes, and one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 cycle is inching closer to a pivotal decision. Cincere Johnson, a four-star cornerback from Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville High School, just wrapped up what he described as a “great” official visit to Ohio State over the weekend. Now, the home-state Buckeyes may be on the verge of landing one of their top in-state priorities as Johnson eyes an upcoming announcement.

Johnson’s visit to Columbus was one he had been looking forward to for quite some time. Having long been on Ohio State’s radar—and vice versa—the 6-foot, 175-pound cornerback entered the weekend already familiar with the program’s legacy, particularly that of Glenville alumni who thrived in scarlet and gray. After spending time around head coach Ryan Day, new secondary coach Matt Guerrieri, and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Johnson left with even more clarity about where he might fit into the Buckeyes’ plans.

“Everything about it was just great,” Johnson told recruiting outlets Sunday evening. “From the facilities, the energy, how the coaches treated my family—Ohio State definitely made an impression.”

That impression may be the difference-maker as Johnson prepares to make his college decision. A formal announcement date has not yet been revealed, but sources close to his recruitment suggest a commitment could come within the next week.

Johnson, ranked as the No. 4 player in Ohio and among the top-25 cornerbacks nationally per the 247Sports Composite, has taken other visits during the spring and early summer months, including to Michigan, Penn State, and Kentucky. Each of those programs had made him a priority, with Michigan reportedly pushing hard after his early May unofficial visit. However, Ohio State’s longstanding relationship with Johnson, coupled with Glenville’s historic pipeline to Columbus, may be difficult for other schools to overcome.

Indeed, Glenville has long served as fertile recruiting ground for the Buckeyes. Names like Ted Ginn Jr., Troy Smith, Marshon Lattimore, and most recently, Marshon’s younger brother, Devontae Armstrong, all came from the Tarblooders’ program. The Glenville-to-Columbus connection isn’t just about football—it’s a cultural bond that carries weight for recruits like Johnson.

“It’s about more than just football,” Johnson said. “Glenville guys going to Ohio State, it means something. It’s tradition, legacy, all of that. I’ve looked up to a lot of those guys. To maybe be the next one, that’s big.”

On the field, Johnson brings a rare combination of twitch, physicality, and natural instincts. As a junior, he tallied 4 interceptions, broke up 12 passes, and added 37 tackles for a Glenville team that advanced deep into the Ohio state playoffs. His play style is aggressive—he often shadows opposing No. 1 receivers—and he shows a willingness to step up against the run, a trait not always common in highly ranked corners.

College programs have noticed.

“He’s a baller,” one Big Ten assistant coach said anonymously. “He’s got the confidence, the feet, and the burst you want. He just needs the right coaching to refine his technique, and he could be a future Sunday guy.”

Ohio State believes it has the infrastructure in place to maximize Johnson’s potential. Coach Guerrieri, in particular, has built a quick rapport with the Cleveland standout. According to Johnson, the new DB coach was one of the most active recruiters during the visit, personally breaking down film with him and explaining exactly how he’d be used in the Buckeye defense.

“They showed me how I’d be used in different packages, like man coverage, some zone, nickel if needed,” Johnson said. “Coach Guerrieri is really hands-on and sharp. He sees the little details and corrects them, and that’s what I want in a coach.”

Another major factor in Johnson’s decision-making process appears to be proximity and support. The ability for his family to travel just two hours south for home games in Columbus resonates with him deeply. For a player who values his roots and community, the ability to stay close to home and play on the national stage is an ideal fit.

“They don’t have to miss a game,” Johnson said of his family. “Being close to home is big. Not just for me, but for everyone who’s helped me get to this point.”

While Ohio State appears to be the favorite following the official visit, nothing is set in stone until Johnson makes his decision public. Michigan remains a wildcard, with the Wolverines having pitched a strong development path and early playing time. Penn State also remains in the mix, with coach James Franklin and his staff having hosted Johnson earlier in the process and staying in contact throughout the spring.

Still, Ohio State’s momentum feels undeniable at this stage. Between Johnson’s own remarks, the legacy of Glenville prospects who have starred at Ohio State, and the Buckeyes’ need to reload their secondary after several NFL departures, the pieces all seem to be aligning.

If Johnson does commit to Ohio State, he would become the third Glenville prospect to join the Buckeyes’ 2025 class, alongside twins Deontae and Devontae Armstrong, both of whom have already committed. That trio would signal a continued strengthening of the Glenville pipeline, a development that Buckeyes fans have long hoped to see revived.

Recruiting insiders also note that Johnson’s decision could have a ripple effect on other secondary targets. Ohio State is also in pursuit of five-star safety Jonah Williams and four-star cornerback Dorian Brew. Locking in a talent like Johnson could give OSU the leverage to sell defensive back recruits on building a stacked unit that competes from Day One.

“He’s the kind of kid who could be a tone-setter for a class,” an Ohio-based recruiting analyst said. “He brings swagger, toughness, and the mindset that elite secondaries need. That stuff’s contagious.”

As Johnson nears his decision, the attention from fans, media, and coaching staffs is intensifying. For his part, Johnson seems determined to shut out the noise and focus on the decision that fits him best—not just as a player, but as a person.

“I’m going to do what’s right for me and my family,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of good options and good people around me during this whole process. Now it’s just about where I feel most at home and where I can be developed the right way.”

That answer, for all intents and purposes, seems to be Ohio State. But the world of recruiting is nothing if not unpredictable. Until Johnson steps in front of the cameras or drops a commitment graphic on social media, fans of multiple programs will continue holding their breath.

What is certain, though, is that Cincere Johnson is a name to know in the 2025 class—and wherever he ends up, a college program is getting a competitor who has the confidence, tools, and pedigree to make an immediate impact. His path may very well mirror that of past Glenville greats, writing another chapter in one of the most iconic pipelines in college football.

And if his visit to Columbus is any indication, the Buckeyes may soon be celebrating another win—this one off the field, but with implications that could resonate for seasons to come.