Puff Johnson's New Chapter: Joining Ohio State Basketball After a Hard-Fought Victory

In the constantly changing landscape of college basketball, where transfers and eligibility fights have become as fast as and accompanying to the game, one player shines through with his story of grit and determination. Donovan "Puff" Johnson, a 25-year-old Moon Township, Pennsylvania, has at last leaped over all the obstacles to become a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes. After a protracted legal confrontation with the NCAA, Johnson was provided with the right to play for the rest of the season upon his fifth year of playing college basketball on January 16, 2026. It's a saga of struggle and the support of family plus an invitation to start anew in Columbus that tell us once again the very essence of the game—after all, it is not merely about the victories but the pathways that lead you there.

 

From Humble Beginnings to Tar Heel Dreams

Puff Johnson's life trajectory in basketball started in the Pittsburgh suburbs, where he, besides his brother, played ball. The brother's name was Cameron Johnson, and he, later on, became a top player in NBA, being the Brooklyn Nets' one. With a height of 6-foot-8 and a wide-ranging skill set, Puff decided to go to North Carolina University, attracted by the program's rich history and the possibility of making his own way.

He was in Chapel Hill for three seasons, from 2020 to 2023. He was a freshman in 2020-21 and took part in 14 games, averaging just above a point per game while getting used to the harshness of ACC play. The pandemic intervened in the early part of his growth, but he did give glimpses of his potential. His second year (2021-22) had him playing 24 games, scoring at a rate of 3.1 points and pulling down 2.0 rebounds per game. The third and final year of Puff saw him play the most ever with 27 games, averaging 4.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in each game. Although not a superstar, Puff took part in UNC's runs, which included their 2022 Final Four berth, where the timid yet essential spark of his bench energy was quietly but vital notably heard.

Johnson, who was looking for more playtime, decided to move to Penn State for the 2023-24 season. There, he under coach Mike Rhoades—who would be in charge till 2026—was then turned into a dependable player in the rotation. Through 29 games, he managed to have an average score of 7.3 points and also get 3.1 rebounds while shooting at 42.2% efficiency from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. His last year with Penn State was the best of his career: he averaged 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game in 17 games with an excellent 54.3% shooting from the field. Puff’s dedication to defense and his range of shooting made him a fan favorite in Happy Valley.

The Eligibility Saga: A Fight for One More Shot

Having reached the limit of his regular eligibility, Johnson looked forward to a sixth year, pointing to the pandemic-related interruptions and the multiple injuries that had curbed his playing time at the outset. The NCAA first refused to grant his waiver for immediate eligibility and thus, he had to sit out, even though he transferred as a student to Ohio State in 2025. But Johnson did not lose hope and he along with his law firm sued the NCAA in November 2025, alleging that the governing body's rules were a barrier to his career prospects.

The case was heard by the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, where Judge Sheryl K. Munson, who was still on the bench in January 2026, ruled. An initial denial in November dashed his hopes, but Johnson's legal team, which included attorney Mark D. (full name not publicly revealed in reports), refused to give up. On January 16, 2026, Judge Munson issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the NCAA and awarded Puff immediate eligibility. This decision not only allowed him to play but also pointed to the continued discussions in college sports regarding the rights of athletes and the prolonging of eligibility in the post-COVID time.

During the tough times, family members of Johnson were always there for him, and they were the emotional support for what he called a 'long process.' This is a very human aspect that connects—just think of the midnight communications, the stress in the court, and the joy when the judge's decision was finally announced in his favor.

A Warm Welcome to Scarlet and Gray

Once they received the legal green light, the Ohio State team quickly absorbed Johnson into their squad. The program’s helmsman, Jake Diebler, who took the reins in 2024 and is still directing the Buckeyes during the 2025-26 season, issued a statement that announced the new player: “We are very glad to have Puff in our program. It has been a long journey for him and his family.”

Diebler, who is regarded for his ability to develop players and worked as an assistant coach under Chris Holtmann (who has since gone to DePaul), looks at Johnson as a perfect match for a team that wants to rise in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have a very good placement mid-season and Puff's experience could help them a lot to have a strong wing depth. Although it is not known for sure when he will debut—maybe at the weekend games—his coming provides a curtain of veteran leadership over a youth and transfers mixed roster.

What Puff Brings to the Buckeyes: Versatility and Grit

At 25 years old, Johnson has exceeded the limits set by his age as he is already a veteran player with more than 100 games played in his account. Part of the story is told by his statistics—averages for the whole career of about 5 points and 2.5 rebounds—but his intangibles are more brilliant. As a guard/forward standing 6-8 tall, he has the potential of a mismatch: he is defending multiple positions, shooting threes (he has a 29.4% career average from deep), and getting rebounds with energy.

This means for Ohio State the luxury of swapping players in line-ups. Just think of Puff who is opening the floor next to the stars like Bruce Thornton (who is still the wizard of the team's point-guard area in 2026) or giving stops on defense against the Big Ten's most scoring teams. His path also motivates the rest of the team; overcoming difficulty has a reward. The fans in Columbus are already excited and are looking forward to how this young man from Pennsylvania will cope with the electrifying atmosphere at the Schottenstein Center.

Looking Forward: A Season of Possibilities

When Puff Johnson puts on his scarlet and gray shoes, it tells a story that brings out the human aspect of sports—the disappointments, the victorious returns, and the fun of returning to the court. A long way or just personal satisfaction down the road, it's a victory for a player who's been through tough times and still managed to get some playing time. Ohio State, under Diebler's steady guidance, now has another piece in their puzzle. Buckeye Nation, get ready: Puff's ready to soar.

For the latest on Johnson's integration and Ohio State's season, keep an eye on team updates—college basketball's drama never sleeps.

Cam Calhoun Finally Comes Home: Committing to Ohio State for 2026

 In the end, the long and winding road leads to Cam Calhoun wearing scarlet and gray. The Cincinnati local broke the news of his commitment to Ohio State today, January 15, 2026, just after touring Columbus. It is one of those tales that can be regarded as the exact right moment of the universe, very close to perfect. This young man from Winton Woods High School was a four-star recruit (ranked No. 397 overall, No. 41 cornerback in the 2023 class) at one point in his career, and now he is returning to his native state after a round trip in college football.

The Long Road to Columbus

Calhoun's college career has been highly unpredictable. He was visiting Ohio State unofficially during late 2022 for The Game against Michigan. Right after the Wolverines had won, he very suddenly committed to them—quite the wound for the Buckeye fans to have salt added. He hardly played during the 2023 season at Michigan (only two games with that national title team), and then he went to Utah for 2024 after which he truly got the reps: 21 tackles, an interception, and nine pass breakups in 11 games. He was able to participate in 14 games (mainly special teams and limited defense) at Alabama last season where, in addition to seven tackles, he recorded a pass deflection.

Now, with two years of eligibility left, he's on his fourth school in four years. But this time, it's different—he's coming home. Reports say Bucknuts broke the interest early in the week, and things moved fast once he stepped on campus. It's cool to see someone with Ohio roots choose the Buckeyes after everything.

Why the Buckeyes Needed This Move

Ohio State's secondary took some hits after the 2025 season wrapped up. The portal's been brutal—guys like Bryce West (who went to Wisconsin) and Aaron Scott Jr. (still unsigned, but in the portal) left, plus Davison Igbinosun headed to the pros. That left the cornerback room feeling pretty thin. Head coach Ryan Day and the staff have been aggressive, pulling in transfers like edge rusher Qua Russaw and DL James Smith from Alabama already. Calhoun makes three from the Tide this cycle, which is wild.

He's not walking in as a guaranteed starter, but with his experience against Big Ten, Pac-12, and SEC competition, he should slide right into a rotational role. Maybe nickel in some packages or spot duty outside. Depth is what the Buckeyes were desperate for, and this guy brings it.

2026 Cornerback Room: Who’s Still There and Who’s Rising

Next fall, the cornerback situation is as follows: Senior Jermaine Mathews Jr. is the anchor of the veteran—the veteran who is indeed expected back and is likely to be the one who starts after being the high-confidence player for the team for the last two years. Then there's the five-star recruit in his sophomore year, Devin Sanchez, who's been the one showing the most but is ready now to take the spot of a full-time starter. The two are very well the outside starters.

Beyond them, it's slim pickings right now. Returning scholarship players Miles Lockhart and Jordyn Woods are the only ones with some experience but they hardly played in 2025. The next freshmen in 2026 class might later on become a factor—four-stars such as Jay Timmons (who switched from Florida State) and Jordan Thomas appear to be good bets, but they are real freshmen, thus it would be too much to expect them to take all the responsibility right from the outset.

Calhoun fits perfectly here as that experienced veteran who can compete right away, spell the starters, and help if injuries hit (which they always do). It's a smart, practical addition.

Under Ryan Day and Tim Walton's Watch

Ryan Day keeps proving why he's one of the best in the business—reloading fast after tough losses. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and especially cornerbacks coach Tim Walton have done wonders with the secondary. Walton's NFL background and recruiting chops are huge; he's been key in landing guys like this and developing young talent.

The staff has stability where it matters, even with some coaching carousel moves elsewhere (like Brian Hartline leaving for USF). This transfer haul shows they're not messing around for another title push.

Looking Ahead: A Feel-Good Boost for the Buckeyes

To tell the truth, this looks like something deeper than just another portal pickup. It's a Cincinnati boy who has come full circle, getting together with his former high-school teammate Mathews, and imparting the defense with some essential depth. The Big Ten remains tough, and with the roster changes, every player is important. Calhoun may not be the most spectacular name, but he possesses the kind of toughness and experience that help one win tight games.

Buckeye fans, enjoy this one. It's nice when things come back around like this. Here's to Cam thriving in Columbus and helping bring another championship run. Go Bucks!

Buckeyes Land a Big One in the Portal: Terry Moore Coming Over from Duke

 The transfer portal has been giving Ohio State fans some huge presents lately. Just today—January 12, 2026—former Duke safety Terry Moore declared his move to Columbus. This guy's a true game-changer and after the departure of some important defenders the Buckeyes required the very same addition. It has been a matter of discussion among people, and to tell the truth, it gives the impression that Ryan Day is already set for another championship run without having to wait.

Moore's Path: From Duke Star to Buckeye Hopeful

When you contemplate Terry Moore's tale, it appears to be quite an exciting one. The massive guy of 6-foot height and 200-pound weight began his college journey at Duke as a running back in 2022 – indeed, you heard it correctly. But then he chose to make a shift to the secondary and this was the spot where he truly shone in 2023. The year 2024 was the turning point in his career: huge heap of tackles (71), 7 tackled for loss, 4 interceptions, forced fumbles, you name it. He received second-team All-ACC recognition and his name was even mentioned in All-America debates. His PFF grade was ridiculous—90.1, best among Power Four safeties that year.

Then came the tough part: he tore his ACL in Duke's bowl game after the 2024 season (the Gator Bowl against Ole Miss, where he actually had a huge pick-six return before going down). He sat out all of 2025 recovering, but now he's got that final year of eligibility and he's ready to go. Reports say he's on track health-wise, and with Ohio State's training staff, I'd bet on him being back to full speed.

This move comes right on the heels of another big safety pickup—Earl Little Jr. from Florida State committed just yesterday. Two former All-ACC guys in back-to-back days? That's not an accident. The staff is clearly targeting veteran talent to steady the secondary.

What He Actually Brings to Columbus

Look, Moore isn't some project or depth guy—he's proven. Versatile as heck: he can cover, tackle in the box, blitz, you name it. Those 2024 numbers don't lie—he was disruptive and smart. For a defense that was elite in 2025 under Matt Patricia (No. 1 in the country in a bunch of categories), but now has to replace stars like Caleb Downs (who just declared for the 2026 NFL Draft and is projected as a top-10 pick), Moore fills a real need.

The ACL thing is the only real question mark, but come on—he's young, motivated, and landing in a program like this with top-tier resources. If he gets back to even close to his 2024 form, he's going to be a difference-maker. Imagine him flying around with the rest of that unit? Scary for the Big Ten.

The Safety Room Right Now: Who's Left and Who's Coming

The secondary took some hits this offseason. Caleb Downs is gone to the pros after two unreal years (two-time unanimous All-American—insane). Then you had guys like Malik Hartford and Faheem Delane hitting the portal themselves, so depth got thin quick.

But the good news? Jaylen McClain is back and ready to anchor things. The guy's been a starter, played big snaps alongside Downs last year, and he's got that experience now. He's probably the strong safety leader moving forward.

You've also got younger pieces like redshirt sophomore Leroy Roker III, who saw some action and has upside, plus a few freshmen/redshirts waiting in the wings (Deshawn Stewart, Cody Haddad, etc.).

Now throw in Moore and Earl Little Jr.—both battle-tested All-ACC transfers—and suddenly the room looks a lot deeper and more veteran. Not many players might challenge Little for the free safety or nickel spots, but Moore might be able to claim a starting role right away with his production. There is a good combination of both rookies and experienced players; however, this is precisely what you need if you want to retain your elite status.

Why This Feels Like a Game-Changer for 2026

Ohio State wrapped up 2025 at 12-2, with that Cotton Bowl loss to Miami stinging a bit after such a dominant defense all year. But losing guys to the draft and portal happens—it's the new normal. The key is responding, and Day's staff has been aggressive. Seven portal additions already, and Moore is one of the best ones.

This feels like the piece that keeps the defense humming under Patricia (who, by the way, is reportedly in talks for a big extension—smart move after what he did in year one). If Moore stays healthy and buys in, the Buckeyes could have one of the scariest secondaries in the country again.

Portal season is wild, but moves like this are why Ohio State stays in the title conversation every year. What do you guys think—is Moore going to start right away, or is he more of a rotation beast? Either way, Go Bucks. This offseason is heating up fast!

Dalton Riggs Snaps Up a Spot at Ohio State: A Transfer Portal Win for the Buckeyes

 

The transfer portal season is never-ending but is always a roller coaster ride, and again, Ohio State has made a smart move by bringing in a new player for their special teams. On the 4th of January, 2026, long snapper Dalton Riggs declared that he would be a Buckeye after previously being in the transfer portal of UCF. If you are like me, you might not consider long snappers as part of the game, but they are indeed the silent protectors of the game who ensure that no mishaps occur while executing the field goals and Punts. Let’s see how this situation shakes out for Ohio State as they venture into the 2026 season.

 

Riggs' Journey: From BYU to UCF and Now Columbus

Dalton Riggs is not a stranger to the college scene—a real expert who has been perfecting his skill in different programs. Initially, he was at BYU, and there he was in charge of long-snapping in 2024, then he moved to UCF for the 2025 season. While at UCF, Riggs was a dependable starter, participating in all 12 games and also taking on the role of a team captain and a leader. His background is bright; he has the accuracy and reliability that the special teams trainers would wish for. Before some fans roll their eyes at a long snapper pickup, remember: these guys are crucial, especially when you're replacing someone solid.

The Commitment: A Quick Portal Flip to Fill a Gap

Riggs' entry into the transfer portal was pretty under the radar—he didn't make a big splash when he left UCF. But Ohio State moved fast. Just hours after former Ohio tight end Mason Williams committed as the Buckeyes' first transfer addition of 2026, Riggs followed suit on January 4. His announcement came via social media, and it was confirmed by outlets like Eleven Warriors and The Columbus Dispatch. Why Ohio State? Well, the Buckeyes needed a replacement for John Ferlmann, their starting long snapper since 2023, who's now out of eligibility. Riggs fits the bill perfectly as a senior with redshirt eligibility, bringing immediate stability.

Fans on Reddit and X were buzzing about it, with some noting his BYU connections and others just glad to see Ohio State addressing depth. One commenter even mentioned taking a class with him at BYU—small world, right?

Impact on the Buckeyes: Bolstering Special Teams for 2026

Check it out, Ohio State has been affected by a lot of player exits through the transferring portal recently, the names of Tegra Tshabola and Mylan Graham are among those leaving and some fans are already vocal about their concerns regarding depth issues in the team. Nonetheless, recruiting Riggs is a wise, not so obvious action that fills a certain gap. It’s widely accepted that special teams can either win or lose closely contested matches, and having a reliable long-snapper translates to less missed kicks and greater assurance for the unit.

Ryan Day and the coaching staff are clearly focused on rebuilding with targeted additions rather than splashy names. Riggs might not be a household name, but he's exactly the kind of experienced player who can contribute right away. As one Facebook post put it, "Before some of y'all start... we know there are multiple positions of need, but this is a solid get." With the portal still churning, expect more moves, but this one feels like a quiet win for the Scarlet and Gray.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Ohio State's Season

We're now entering 2026, and Ohio State is getting ready for another shot at the Big Ten Championship and perhaps even the playoffs. The hire of Riggs is not going to take the spotlight like the transfer of a star quarterback would, but it's the subtlety in recruiting that winning teams do. Watch how he blends during the spring practice— he might be the deciding factor in an intense rivalry game.

What do you think, Buckeyes faithful? Is this the start of a portal turnaround, or just a small step? Drop your takes below—football season might be over, but the off-season drama is just heating up!

Buckeyes Raid the Bobcats Again: Mason Williams Heads to Ohio State

Ohio State fans are finally getting over the hard ending of the 2025 season when a piece of good news comes up to start 2026 in a nice way. On the 4th of January, the former Ohio University tight end Mason Williams stated he is going to the Buckeyes. He used social media to post a basic graphic of those scarlet and gray bucknuts, and you could already sense the thrill of Buckeye Nation.

Getting to Know Mason Williams

This person is enormous—his height is 6 feet and 5 inches and his weight is about 258 pounds. He comes from Mogadore, Ohio, a little town near Akron which is famous for its tough football players. He was one of the talented youngsters in high school at Mogadore who played all the sports—football, basketball, and even baseball. He competed for varsity letters in everything and drew enough attention to receive some college offers.

 

In the end, he committed to Ohio University, as a three-star recruit in the 2023 class. He was amazing over the three years he spent with the Bobcats and developed into a strong starter. His career statistics tell that he made a total of 48 catches for 565 yards and six TDs. In the last season of 2025, he recorded 26 receptions for 276 yards and three scores—not great numbers, but consistent for a commander in MAC who is often assigned to do the roughest jobs.

However, the best thing about him is his blocking. Scouts and statisticians alike appreciate how he deals with run-blocking responsibilities. He spent a lot of time on the field moving defenders and making holes, which is reflected in the All-MAC honors he earned (some places gave him first-team while others gave him third-team). He's the type of tight end who is perfectly fine with getting dirty in the trenches.

This Feels Like We've Seen It Before

The last couple of years have not gone unnoticed by Ohio State supporters, and this move undoubtedly has you grinning. It is quite similar to the case of Will Kacmarek. Do you recall him? In 2024, Kacmarek moved to the Buckeyes after being at Ohio University, and he had an instant effect, being acknowledged as one of the greatest blocking tight ends in the country during his stay at Columbus for two years. He has just completed his eligibility, having been a very reliable and effective player throughout the offense.

Turns out, Williams actually took over as the starter at Ohio after Kacmarek left. The two overlapped a bit in Athens and got pretty close—Kacmarek even chatted with Williams about what it's like in the Ohio State program during this portal process. It's almost like they're handing off the role directly. Funny how that works out.

Why He Fits Perfectly in the Tight End Group

The Buckeyes' tight end situation is shifting a good bit heading into 2026. Kacmarek's done after using up his years, Jelani Thurman jumped into the portal, and Max Klare (the transfer from Purdue) is still weighing whether to head to the NFL or come back for another season.

Thus, it still has some youngsters like Bennett Christian, Max LeBlanc, Nate Roberts, Brody Lennon, and the new student Nick Lautar as a freshman. At the same time, it is a promising collection, but the addition of a player with experience like Williams-whom has two years of eligibility left-automatically gives them a boost. He has shown that he can be a starter at the college level and is excellent at blocking, which may help the run game become more efficient.

From what I've heard, he visited Columbus on Saturday, and coaches Ryan Day and Keenan Bailey really rolled out the red carpet. Williams called the trip "awesome" and said Bailey's an incredible guy to play for. Clearly, it sealed the deal quick.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Honestly, this seems like a no-brainer pickup. Low drama, high upside—especially for an in-state kid who's probably been dreaming about playing at Ohio Stadium his whole life. Williams isn't going to wow you with highlight-reel catches every week, but in an offense under Chip Kelly (if things stay the same), a physical, dependable tight end who can seal blocks and snag tough balls in traffic is exactly what you want.

The Ohio-to-Ohio State tight end pipeline is real now, and it's paying off again. Welcome to the family, Mason. Can't wait to see you out there making plays in the Shoe.