Guard Meechie Johnson Returns to South Carolina After Brief Ohio State Stint
After one disappointing season at Ohio State, Cleveland native Meechie Johnson is transferring back to South Carolina – marking his second stint with the Gamecocks. The move comes following an abrupt end to his Buckeyes career, where he played just nine games before disappearing from the roster.
Johnson initially flourished at South Carolina, starting 62 games over two seasons while averaging 13.4 points. His homecoming to Ohio State showed early promise despite a rough shooting debut (2-18 vs. Texas), but his final appearance came in a 5-point outing against Auburn in December. The circumstances surrounding his departure remain unclear.
South Carolina struggled mightily without Johnson last season, finishing last in the SEC after previously making the NCAA Tournament with him. His return could help revitalize a program that went 12-20 (2-16 SEC) in his absence.
The unusual transfer marks Johnson’s second move between these programs, bucking conventional portal trends. While Gamecock fans celebrate the reunion, Buckeye supporters are left wondering what might have been for the former top-100 recruit in Columbus.
Johnson’s homecoming experiment ultimately lasted just nine games. Now back in Columbia, he’ll attempt to recapture his earlier success and help rebuild a South Carolina program that cratered without him.
