NEWS 4-Star Linebacker Cincere Johnson Commits to Alabama Crimson Tide Over Ohio State and BYU
In a major recruiting win for the Alabama Crimson Tide, 4-star linebacker Cincere Johnson has officially announced his commitment to Nick Saban’s powerhouse program, choosing the Crimson Tide over fellow finalists Ohio State and BYU.
Johnson’s decision was revealed during a live ceremony at his high school, where he proudly put on an Alabama cap, signaling his intent to continue his football career in Tuscaloosa.
Ranked as one of the top linebackers in the 2025 recruiting class, Johnson is a dynamic, hard-hitting defender out of Long Beach, California. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 220 pounds, he has built a national reputation for his sideline-to-sideline speed, football IQ, and versatility. He’s been a standout on the West Coast circuit, earning praise from scouts and analysts for his ability to both stuff the run and drop into coverage with ease.
“Alabama just felt like home,” Johnson said during his announcement. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt the energy, the brotherhood, and the tradition. Coach Saban and the defensive staff made it clear how much they believe in me, and I’m ready to go win championships in Tuscaloosa.”
Johnson’s commitment is a huge boost to Alabama’s already stacked 2025 class, which continues to gain momentum. With elite talent pouring into Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide appear poised to maintain their dominant status in college football even after the eventual retirement of Saban, who has built a dynasty rooted in elite defensive talent and NFL development.
Alabama beat out two strong contenders for Johnson’s signature. Ohio State was long considered a frontrunner, thanks to their history of developing linebackers and strong relationship-building by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. BYU also made a strong late push, leveraging Johnson’s family ties to the program and proximity to home.
But in the end, it was Alabama’s pedigree, player development, and national stage that sealed the deal. Johnson took multiple visits to all three programs over the past year, but the Crimson Tide consistently made him feel prioritized. The chance to play in the SEC and compete for a national title every season was also too good to pass up.
Johnson becomes Alabama’s third linebacker commit in the 2025 cycle and is expected to compete early for playing time once he arrives on campus. Many experts see him as a future NFL Draft pick with the right development, and Alabama’s track record with players at his position—including names like C.J. Mosley, Reuben Foster, and Will Anderson—only reinforced his confidence in the program.
Recruiting analysts across the country are already calling Johnson’s decision a statement win for Alabama, particularly as they fended off a perennial Big Ten powerhouse in Ohio State. His decision also underscores the national reach of Alabama’s recruiting efforts, as they continue to land elite talent from coast to coast.
Johnson’s high school coach, Marcus Hill, spoke highly of the young linebacker’s growth both on and off the field. “Cincere is the real deal,” Hill said. “He’s a leader in our locker room, a student of the game, and someone who pushes himself and his teammates every single day. Alabama’s getting a special player—and an even better young man.”
With Johnson now locked in, Alabama’s 2025 class continues to rise in the national rankings and sends a clear message to the rest of college football: the Crimson Tide remain an elite destination for the nation’s best defenders. For Cincere Johnson, it’s the start of a new chapter—and Alabama fans can’t wait to see what he’ll bring to the field in crimson and white.
