College basketball has had its fair share of twists and turns over the years, but Puff Johnson’s journey might be one of the more unexpected stories we’ve seen in a while. After what looked like a full five-year college run, Johnson is back on the court - this time in a Buckeyes uniform.
Yes, that Puff Johnson. The 6-foot-8 lefty forward who began his college career at North Carolina back in the 2020-21 season is now officially a member of the Ohio State men’s basketball team - and eligible to play immediately. That’s despite already logging five seasons in college hoops: three with the Tar Heels and two more with Penn State.
Let’s break it down:
- North Carolina (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23)
- Penn State (2023-24, 2024-25 - or so we thought)
That’s five seasons across two programs. By typical NCAA standards, that should’ve been the end of the road.
Johnson had previously tried multiple avenues to extend his eligibility, but those efforts were denied. This time, though, he found a different path - one that runs through the legal system.
According to Ohio State Athletics, Johnson was granted a temporary restraining order by a Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, allowing him to suit up for the Buckeyes while the legal process plays out. It’s an unusual move, but it’s opened the door for one more chapter in his college career.
Ohio State interim head coach Jake Diebler welcomed the addition, saying in a statement:
“We’re excited for Puff to join our program.
This has been a long process for he and his family. We’re happy for them and are looking forward to him getting on the court.”
From a basketball standpoint, Johnson brings experience and versatility to the Buckeyes’ rotation. Last season at Penn State, he averaged 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
He’s not going to stretch the floor - his outside shooting remains a weakness - but he’s effective inside and can be a factor in transition. Think of him as a slashing forward who thrives off movement, energy, and defensive hustle.
Johnson was a top-100 recruit coming out of high school in the Class of 2020, ranked No. 59 overall by the Recruiting Services Consensus Index. That put him just behind Julian Strawther, who’s now in his third NBA season. While Johnson hasn’t had quite the same trajectory, he’s carved out a solid college career - and now he gets a chance to extend it a little longer in Columbus.
As for whether this eligibility ruling will hold up long term, that remains to be seen. But for now, Puff Johnson is active, available, and ready to contribute for Ohio State. In a season that’s already been full of surprises, this is just another curveball - and the Buckeyes will gladly take the extra depth.