Eric Boggs
New Ohio State Basketball Head Coach Jake Diebler has just accomplished something that former head coach Chris Holtmann never did in seven seasons. Dielber has landed a five-star recruit.
Marcus Johnson, a guard from Garfield Heights in Cleveland, Ohio is considered the top prospect in Ohio for the 2026 cycle and is ranked as the No. 4 point guard and No. 24 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class.
Johnson, who is also the cousin of Meechie Johnson, who recently announced his return to Ohio State for his final collegiate season after transferring from South Carolina. Among his suitors were Alabama, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Illinois, LSU, Oklahoma, Villanova, and West Virginia, but Johnson ultimately opted for Ohio State.
His commitment marks the first for Ohio State in the 2026 recruiting class and the first high school recruit for Diebler. Johnson impressed Ohio State’s coaching staff during Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League circuit last year, earning his offer at just the freshman level. He showcased his talent by shooting an impressive 47% from three-point range.
He’s already familiar with Ohio State’s basketball scene, attending several games at Value City Arena, including Coach Diebler’s debut victory over then-No. 2 Purdue.
Johnson’s skills have already earned him accolades, being named the 2023-24 Ohio High School Basketball Player of the Year by MaxPreps and the Division I All-Ohio Player of the Year by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association. Averaging 23.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, Johnson led Garfield Heights to an impressive 25-2 record and a spot in the Division I state quarterfinals this season.
