URGENT UPDATE: Top-30 senior basketball prospect Marcus Johnson has officially decommitted from Ohio State, a move he announced just moments ago. This decision comes more than 18 months after he originally pledged to the Buckeyes back in April 2024.
Johnson, a 6-foot-2 guard from Garfield Heights High School in Ohio, has been a highly sought-after recruit since earning the title of Mr. Basketball in Ohio last spring. During his junior season, he averaged an impressive 29.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, showcasing his elite offensive skills on the court. His performance continued to shine on the Nike EYBL circuit, where he averaged 19.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 15 games, including three standout performances of 30 points.
This sudden shift comes on the heels of a significant recruiting announcement by Ohio State, as they recently secured a commitment from five-star senior Anthony Thompson, the highest-ranked men’s basketball recruit for the program in over a decade. Thompson, ranked No. 13 nationally, chose the Buckeyes last week over Indiana, joining four-star recruit Alex Smith, also from Ohio, to form a formidable 2026 recruiting class.
The timing of Johnson’s decommitment raises questions about Ohio State’s recruiting strategy and the future of their basketball program under head coach Jake Diebler, who was appointed permanent head coach following Chris Holtmann’s departure in February 2024. Johnson was one of Diebler’s first major recruits, making this news particularly impactful for the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts.
Johnson is the son of Sonny Johnson, a former Mr. Basketball in 1998 who played at Ohio University. His decision to decommit could shake up the landscape of college basketball recruiting in Ohio, leaving fans and analysts eager to see where he will land next.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Johnson’s next steps and how this impacts Ohio State’s recruiting strategy going forward. Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking story.