Johnson remarked, “I’ve loved Ohio State since I was a little child.” “I always wanted to be a Buckeye growing up. I’ve always expressed to my parents my desire to attend Ohio State.
Johnson is going to continue the family tradition set by his cousin Meechie Johnson, who just declared that he would be attending Ohio State for his final year of eligibility. Prior to coming to OSU, Meechie had transferred to South Carolina, where he lived for a year.
Marcus Johnson turned down offers from a number of schools, including Illinois, Alabama, Villanova, South Carolina, and Penn State, to attend Ohio State. Johnson’s Instagram claims that 22 Division 1 schools made offers to him.
In the class of 2026, Johnson is ranked No. 24 nationally and as the top talent in the state of Ohio. Johnson assisted in leading Garfield Heights to a 25-2 record in his sophomore year, which included a trip to the Division 1 State Quarterfinals.
The future Buckeye won the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year award in 2023–24 after averaging 23.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Johnson’s connection to the sport runs further in his family than merely his cousin Meechie. At Garfield High School, his father, Sonny Johnson, serves as his coach.
“What kid in Ohio doesn’t grow up thinking about playing at Ohio State,” Sonny Johnson said. “To have this opportunity for them to want him to be there and to have a plan for him and be in their future, we couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Johnson remained interested in Ohio State, even after the program parted ways with former head coach Chris Holtmann. Johnson said he had already developed a relationship with Jake Diebler, so when he was hired that only increased his interest in the school.
“Diebler was the one recruiting me,” Johnson said. “So when he got the head job he was still recruiting me, so that made me and my family feel good which made me want to commit early.”
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