Alabama LB Target Sets Official Visit Dates for the Summer
As the 2026 college football recruiting cycle heats up, one of the most intriguing storylines is the recruitment of Cincere Johnson, a four-star linebacker prospect from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Johnson has emerged as one of the top targets in this recruiting class, with Alabama among the many programs vying for his commitment. In a recent development, Johnson has officially set his official visit dates for the summer, which could significantly influence the next steps in his recruitment.
With Johnson being a versatile, game-changing player, his recruitment is expected to be highly competitive, and the summer official visits will play a pivotal role in shaping his final decision. As one of the top linebacker recruits of the 2026 cycle, Cincere Johnson’s potential decision to commit to Alabama would not only be a major victory for the Crimson Tide but would also further bolster their defense in the coming years.
The Rising Star: Cincere Johnson’s Impact
Cincere Johnson’s rise to prominence as one of the top linebacker recruits in the 2026 class has been impressive. Over the past few seasons, Johnson has showcased an elite skill set that has earned him numerous accolades and widespread attention. At 6-foot-3 and weighing 235 pounds, Johnson possesses a blend of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him a formidable presence on the field. His ability to dominate both in the run game and as a pass rusher has made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
During the 2023 season, Johnson put up eye-popping numbers that helped lead his high school team, Glenville, to its second consecutive state championship. He recorded 121 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles, making an undeniable impact on both sides of the ball. His ability to disrupt plays, rush the quarterback, and stop ball carriers has caught the attention of not just college coaches but also analysts and scouts who are now labeling him as one of the top linebackers in the country.
His impressive performance in high school has positioned him as a highly coveted recruit, with top-tier programs such as Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and USC all targeting him as a cornerstone player in their 2026 recruiting classes. Johnson’s combination of skills has made him a versatile linebacker who can be used in multiple roles, whether it be as a traditional inside linebacker or a hybrid defender capable of rushing the passer and covering in space.
Alabama’s Interest in Johnson
The University of Alabama has been heavily involved in Johnson’s recruitment from the very beginning. With Alabama’s long-standing reputation as a dominant force on defense, particularly at the linebacker position, the Crimson Tide coaching staff has made it clear that they are prioritizing Johnson in their 2026 recruiting efforts. Nick Saban and his coaching staff are known for developing elite defensive players, especially at linebacker, and the opportunity to join such a prestigious program has certainly caught Johnson’s attention.
Alabama officially extended an offer to Johnson in January 2025, and he was also invited to attend Alabama’s Junior Day event earlier this year. Junior Days are important recruiting events where prospective players get a chance to interact with coaches, tour the facilities, and get a feel for the program’s culture. Johnson’s attendance at Junior Day signifies his genuine interest in Alabama and allows him to build a relationship with the coaching staff, which could be crucial in the coming months.
The Crimson Tide’s linebacker tradition is something that has undoubtedly played a role in Johnson’s recruitment. Over the years, Alabama has produced some of the best linebackers in the NFL, including names like Rolando McClain, C.J. Mosley, Reuben Foster, and more recently, players like Dylan Moses and Will Anderson Jr. With the chance to follow in the footsteps of these great players, Johnson could see a future at Alabama that is not only promising but potentially career-defining.
The Official Visit Dates
One of the most important developments in Johnson’s recruitment came when he set official visit dates for the summer. This is a significant step in the recruiting process, as official visits allow recruits to spend more time on campus, meet with coaches, and get a better feel for the university, the football program, and the environment. Johnson’s official visits will be a chance for Alabama’s coaches to make their case, showcasing what makes the Crimson Tide the premier destination for top football talent.
Johnson has scheduled his official visit to Alabama for the weekend of May 30, 2025. This date will be crucial for both Alabama and Johnson, as it will be one of the first opportunities for the coaching staff to impress him and show him what the program has to offer. With the intense competition for his commitment, Alabama will need to make a strong case during this official visit to remain a frontrunner in his recruitment.
In addition to his visit to Alabama, Johnson has also scheduled official visits to other top programs, including Oklahoma, Ohio State, and USC. These programs are all serious contenders in the race for Johnson’s services, and each of them offers unique opportunities for Johnson to showcase his skills. The combination of different visit experiences will give Johnson the chance to compare the culture, facilities, and overall football programs that are vying for his commitment.
Ohio State, in particular, has emerged as a significant threat in Johnson’s recruitment. The Buckeyes have been highly active in recruiting Johnson, and their program is a major player in the Big Ten Conference. According to recruiting analysts, both On3 and 247 Sports have projected Johnson to ultimately commit to Ohio State, citing the program’s reputation for developing top-tier linebackers and its long-standing dominance in the Big Ten. While Johnson’s recruitment is far from over, Ohio State has undoubtedly made a strong impression, and Alabama will need to bring its best effort to the table during Johnson’s visit to Tuscaloosa.
The Recruiting Battle for Johnson
As one of the top linebacker prospects in the country, Cincere Johnson’s recruitment has quickly become one of the most competitive storylines in the 2026 class. While Alabama is firmly in the race, they face stiff competition from some of the nation’s most prestigious programs. In addition to Ohio State, Oklahoma, and USC, other schools may also get involved in the recruitment process as the summer progresses.
What makes Johnson such an appealing prospect is his versatility as a linebacker. His ability to excel in both the run game and as a pass rusher makes him a valuable asset to any defense, and his athleticism allows him to fit into multiple schemes. Programs like Alabama, Ohio State, and others are eager to utilize his skill set in various defensive alignments, and his potential as a disruptor on the field only adds to his allure as a recruit.
For Alabama, securing Johnson’s commitment would provide a massive boost to their defense in the coming years. With a program that consistently produces top-tier defensive talent, Johnson’s addition would solidify the Crimson Tide’s future at linebacker, a position that has been a staple of their success. With the recent success of linebackers like Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner, Johnson could look to build on that tradition and continue Alabama’s dominance on the defensive side of the ball.
What’s Next in Johnson’s Recruitment
Following Johnson’s official visit to Alabama on May 30, 2025, it will be interesting to see how his recruitment unfolds. The timing of these visits is crucial, as many recruits will commit shortly after their official visits. Johnson’s visits to Oklahoma, Ohio State, and USC will provide further insight into his decision-making process, and after these trips, he is expected to narrow down his list of schools and make a final decision in the months following his summer visits.
Alabama will need to impress Johnson not only with their football program but also with their academic offerings, campus culture, and the overall college experience. For a player of Johnson’s caliber, the decision-making process can be incredibly difficult, as he has the option to attend several prestigious programs that could set him up for success both on and off the field.