South Carolina transfer Meechie Johnson contacted by four major schools

South Carolina guard Meechie Johnson recently entered the transfer portal and is already drawing major interest following a terrific season with the Gamecocks.

On3’s Joe Tipton had the latest on his recruitment as a transfer Monday afternoon, tweeting out that four schools have at least reached out to Johnson. Here were those teams, per Tipton’s tweet:

“South Carolina transfer guard Meechie Johnson has heard from the following schools since entering the portal, he tells @On3sports: Kentucky, Ohio State, Arkansas, Texas A&M.”

Well, that’s certainly a familiar list of names for Johnson. Of course, he initially began his career at Ohio State but averaged less than two points per contest and only saw action in 17 total games as a freshman there, prompting a move to the Gamecocks. However, his year in Columbus did occur while new head coach Jake Diebler was on staff, so if there was a strong relationship between those two back then, perhaps Johnson will consider a return.

With South Carolina, Johnson suffered through a brutal first season under new head coach Lamont Paris before the Gamecocks broke through with their best season since the 2017 Final Four run in 2024, finishing top-five in the SEC standings while earning a 6-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Meechie Johnson was an integral part of that effort.

Being that South Carolina is in the SEC, Johnson is certainly familiar with those other three schools. Specifically, Johnson has had major success vs. Kentucky, beating the ‘Cats in his only two games against them, including a road win in Rupp Arena last season before UK came to Columbia and lost again to South Carolina this season. He came through with massive performance and huge shots in both victories.

Johnson comments on decision

Johnson got on Instagram Live shortly after announcing his transfer and explained the decision. He shared that, no matter where he ends up, he is still a big fan of South Carolina and its program.

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“Right now, I’m just about to focus on me and my next decision and where I’m going, my life and everything. But I just want to say I appreciate all the fans out there from USC,” Johnson said. “It was a great two years. Definitely had some of the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. But at the end of the day, where we’re at now, I’ve just got to make the best decision for me.”