2026 Top-25 recruit Marcus Johnson commits to Ohio State

Marcus Johnson, one of the top guards in the 2026 class and a Cleveland native, is staying home to play for Ohio State, he told On3.

Only a sophomore, Johnson has decided to make an early pledge to the Buckeyes, choosing the in-state program over offers from Cincinnati, Villanova, Alabama, Oklahoma, Illinois, and others.

Johnson, a 6-foot-2 point guard out of Garfield Heights (OH), discussed his decision with On3.

“I chose Ohio State state due to Jake Diebler’s recruiting process with me, showing love, and going hard for me. Also, Ohio State has always been my dream school since a kid and I want to stay home.”

In his own words, what type of player is OSU getting in Marcus Johnson?

“I describe my game as a winner who would do anything it takes to win. A three level scorer who can shoot the three, midrange, and finish.”

Johnson is a few years away from stepping on campus in Columbus, but he has a message for Buckeye fans.

“I’m ready to be a Buckeye. I can’t wait for wait to play for a really good winning program.”

According to the 2026 On3 Industry Rankings, Johnson is ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect in the class. He’s also the No. 4 point guard and the No. 1 player in Ohio.

Marcus Johnson is the younger cousin of Meechie Johnson, who began his college career at Ohio State, before spending the last two seasons at South Carolina. Meechie entered the transfer portal last month and committed to Ohio State, returning to Columbus to finish his collegiate career.