Meechie Johnson Announces Return to Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes bring back a fan favorite in Meechie Johnson.

Meechie Johnson Jr. was the leading scorer for South Carolina. / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Former South Carolina guard Meechie Johnson Jr. announced his official transfer to the Ohio State Buckeyes on X on Tuesday.

Johnson, who becomes the first transfer to land in Columbus, played for Ohio State for two years before leaving for South Carolina.

Johnson expressed his excitement to return to Ohio State and head coach Jake Diebler in his announcement.

Feb 6, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Meechie Johnson (5) / Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

"I am a lifelong Buckeye. It was my dream to be a Buckeye, since I was a little kid," Johnson said in his post. "My story didn't go exactly as planned, but that's life. I'm blessed to be able to have this opportunity to get back to where I belong and still have at least the ending I've always dreamed about, and I wouldn't pass that up for anything…"

Johnson did not get much time in his first year with the Buckeyes but saw the floor for just under 18 minutes per game in his second year. He helped Ohio State reach the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back years under then-head coach Chris Holtmann.

The Cleveland native was a 4-star recruit coming out of Garfield Heights High School and was ranked the No. 3 overall recruit in Ohio, according to 247Sports.

With Johnson's return to Columbus, the Buckeyes have a stellar backcourt with sophomore guard Bruce Thornton announcing his return Tuesday as well, and sophomore guard Roddy Gayle Jr.

At South Carolina, Johnson was named to the All-Southeastern Conference Second Team, averaging a team-high 14.1 points to help the Gamecocks earn a six-seed in the NCAA Tournament.

With seniors Jamison Battle and Dale Bonner on their way out of the program, the Buckeyes bring in a much-needed scoring threat who is ready to commit to "something special."

"I want to win championships, at the highest level, and I want to do it for my home team," Johnson said in his post. "I know it won't be easy, and it will take a lot of hard work, and teamwork, but I'm up for the challenge…"