Marcus Johnson, a 2026 Ohio State verbal commit from Garfield Heights, Ohio, has been a standout on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring. The 6-2 point guard, ranked No. 37 overall and No. 7 at his position by 247Sports.com, committed to Ohio State in April 2024, shortly after Jake Diebler was named head coach. As the cousin of former Buckeye Meechie Johnson Jr., Johnson followed in his father and coach Sonny Johnson’s footsteps, earning Ohio’s Mr. Basketball award.
During his junior season, Johnson averaged 29.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.2 steals, leading Garfield Heights (24-3) to the Division III state semifinals. His hot play continued with Indy Heat on the Nike EYBL 17-U circuit, where he’s averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals through 11 games, shooting 34% from three (18/53). In Kansas City, he averaged 26.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals, including two 30-point games, with 48.1% field goal and 45% three-point shooting.
Sam Lance of ZagsBlog.com praised Johnson as potentially the EYBL’s top scorer, noting his dynamic scoring and playmaking for Indy Heat (2-9). Johnson, who led the EYBL 16-U in scoring last summer, currently ranks 10th in 17-U scoring.
Johnson cited Ohio State as his dream school, drawn by his long-standing relationship with Coach Diebler, who recruited him since ninth grade. He described himself as a high-level point guard who can score and pass, with Ohio State coaches likening his role to Bruce Thornton’s.
Johnson will attend the NBPA Top 100 Camp (June 9-13, Rock Hill, S.C.) and plans to visit Ohio State for the Texas-Ohio State football game on Aug. 30. He joins Upper Arlington’s Alex Smith in Ohio State’s 2026 class. The EYBL resumes July 10 in North Augusta, S.C., culminating in the Peach Jam finals.
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