Ohio State guard Meechie Johnson Jr. has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal for his final year of eligibility, marking another twist in the young star’s collegiate journey. This decision, which comes after a brief return to Ohio State, has sparked conversations about his future and the impact of his departure on the Buckeyes.

With the rise of player mobility in college basketball, the transfer portal has become a pivotal tool for athletes seeking better opportunities, whether it be for increased playing time, a better system fit, or personal considerations. In Johnson’s case, his decision to transfer once again raises several questions about his next move and Ohio State’s direction heading into the future.

Meechie Johnson’s Journey So Far

To fully grasp the significance of this decision, let’s take a step back and examine Meechie Johnson’s path through college basketball.

Early Days at Ohio State

Meechie Johnson Jr. initially joined Ohio State in 2020, reclassifying to enroll early after completing high school at Garfield Heights in Ohio. His talent was evident early on, but he faced stiff competition for minutes on a loaded Buckeyes roster. Despite this, he showed flashes of potential with his ability to score and facilitate as a lead guard.

His freshman and sophomore seasons at Ohio State were largely about development, but limited playing time and a desire for a larger role led him to explore other options. This led to his first transfer decision.

Success at South Carolina

In 2022, Johnson transferred to South Carolina, where he found a much more prominent role. Playing in the SEC provided him the chance to showcase his scoring ability, and he quickly became a key piece for the Gamecocks. His time at South Carolina was highlighted by an impressive 26-point performance against Kentucky, proving he could compete at a high level when given the opportunity.

Over two seasons, Johnson developed into a reliable scoring guard, improving his three-point shooting and ball-handling while continuing to grow as a leader on the court. His success in Columbia suggested that he had made the right decision in transferring, but as his eligibility neared its end, he surprised many by deciding to return to Ohio State for the 2024-25 season.

A Short-Lived Return to Ohio State

Johnson’s return to Ohio State was met with optimism from Buckeyes fans who believed he could be a veteran presence in the backcourt. However, his second stint with the program lasted only 10 games. During this stretch, he averaged 9.1 points per game—respectable numbers, but perhaps not the impact he had hoped to have.

Now, with one final season remaining in his college career, Johnson is once again on the move, seeking the best possible landing spot to finish what has been a winding journey.

Why Is Meechie Johnson Transferring Again?

While Johnson has not publicly detailed the reasons for his decision to re-enter the transfer portal, there are several likely factors:

1. Playing Time and Role on the Team

Despite being a seasoned player, Johnson found himself in a limited role at Ohio State. With younger guards emerging and the Buckeyes’ backcourt being highly competitive, he may have felt that his opportunity to be a focal point was diminishing.

2. System Fit and Coaching Philosophy

Each program has a distinct playing style, and sometimes, even talented players struggle to find the right fit. Johnson thrived in a more free-flowing offensive system at South Carolina, where he had the ball in his hands more often. Perhaps he felt Ohio State’s system didn’t allow him to maximize his abilities.

3. Maximizing Exposure for a Professional Future

As a senior looking to play professionally, whether in the NBA or overseas, Johnson may want to land in a program that gives him the best chance to boost his stock. Transferring to a school where he can be the go-to player and showcase his skill set could improve his chances of making it to the next level.

4. Coaching Staff and Program Stability

Ohio State has seen some instability in recent seasons, with transfers and coaching staff changes creating uncertainty. If Johnson sensed a lack of stability or a vision that didn’t align with his goals, it makes sense for him to look elsewhere.

What’s Next for Meechie Johnson?

With Johnson officially in the transfer portal, the question now becomes: where will he end up? Several programs could be in the mix to land him, depending on what he prioritizes for his final year.

Potential Landing Spots

• A Mid-Major Powerhouse: Schools from the AAC, Mountain West, or Atlantic 10 could provide Johnson a starring role where he can be the primary ball-handler and scorer. A team like Memphis, which has had success with transfers, could be an intriguing fit.
• A Contender in a Major Conference: If Johnson still wants to play at the highest level, he could seek a team in the ACC, Big 12, or SEC that needs veteran leadership. Programs with an opening at point guard might take a look at him for his scoring and experience.
• A Return to South Carolina?: Although uncommon, it wouldn’t be out of the question for Johnson to consider a return to South Carolina, where he had success before. If the program still has room for him, it could be a comfortable fit.

Wherever he lands, the expectation will be that he plays a major role and gets one final chance to prove himself on the college stage.

Impact on Ohio State

For Ohio State, losing Johnson means they will need to fill another roster spot heading into the 2025 season. His departure marks the third Buckeye to enter the transfer portal in recent weeks, following Evan Mahaffey and Austin Parks.

Head coach Jake Diebler and his staff will likely look to the transfer portal themselves to replace Johnson’s experience in the backcourt. The Buckeyes still have plenty of talent, but losing an experienced guard like Johnson is never ideal.

The bigger question for Ohio State is whether this wave of transfers signals deeper issues within the program. Are players leaving due to dissatisfaction with the coaching staff? Is there a culture problem that needs to be addressed? Or is this simply a case of players seeking better individual opportunities?

Regardless, the Buckeyes will need to adapt quickly to ensure they remain competitive in the always-tough Big Ten.

Final Thoughts

Meechie Johnson Jr.’s decision to enter the transfer portal once again is a reminder of how fluid college basketball has become in the modern era. Players now have more control over their careers, and the transfer portal provides an opportunity to find the best possible fit.

For Johnson, this next move will be crucial. It will determine how he finishes his college career and what kind of professional opportunities he can create for himself. Whether he joins a mid-major powerhouse, a major conference contender, or surprises everyone with an unexpected destination, one thing is clear—Meechie Johnson Jr. is looking for a place where he can thrive.

For Ohio State, his departure is another challenge in a rapidly changing landscape. The Buckeyes will need to regroup, reinforce their roster, and move forward.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on where Meechie Johnson lands next and how this decision shapes both his future and the programs involved.