Ohio State-bound linebacker led Glenville to Division IV state championship.
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2025 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Cincere Johnson of
Glenville (Cleveland) is the 2025 MaxPreps Ohio High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior linebacker led the Tarblooders to a 12-3 record and Division IV state title.
For the season, Johnson racked up 134 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks for a team that allowed 10.8 points per game.
MaxPreps Ohio Player of the Year Cincere Johnson helped Glenville win its third state title in the last four years. (PHOTO: Scott Mayberry)
In a 45-7 win over Shelby in the state championship game, Glenville held an offense that averaged 45.5 points per game to 27 total yards.
Against Indian Valley (Gnadenhutten) in the semifinals, Johnson posted 17 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles and two pass break-ups in a 26-21 win.
Johnson piled up 25 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks in a 14-3 third-round playoff victory over Lake Catholic (Mentor).
Glenville allowed 7.6 points per game in five playoff games, outscoring opponents 169-38.
Johnson signed with Ohio State last week and is regarded as the top prospect from the Buckeye State in the Class of 2026 according to 247Sports.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Ohio Players of the Year
2020 — Corey Kiner, RB, Roger Bacon (Cincinnati)
2021 — Drew Allar, QB, Medina
2022 — Lamar Sperling, RB, Archbishop Hoban (Akron)
2023 — Jordan Marshall, RB, Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
2024 — Matt Ponatoski, QB, Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
