Puff Johnson Joins Ohio State: Former Penn State Standout Cleared to Play in Big Ten Return
Puff Johnson is back in the Big Ten - and back in uniform.
The former Penn State and North Carolina wing has officially joined the Ohio State Buckeyes, the team announced recently. After a legal battle that stretched into the heart of the season, Johnson was granted a temporary restraining order by a Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, clearing the way for him to suit up immediately.
A Long Road to the Court
“This has been a long process for he and his family,” Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler said in a statement. “We’re excited for Puff to join our program… and are looking forward to him getting on the court.”
That journey has been anything but straightforward. Johnson, a Pennsylvania native, began his college career at North Carolina back in 2020, where he spent three seasons with the Tar Heels. He played in 65 games during his time in Chapel Hill, showing flashes of the talent that made him a coveted recruit.
He transferred to Penn State ahead of the 2023-24 season and quickly carved out a bigger role. Over two years with the Nittany Lions, Johnson appeared in 46 games, starting all 17 contests he played in last season. He averaged a career-best 10.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game - solid production that underscored his growth as a two-way contributor.
But that season was cut short. Johnson’s year ended prematurely after he broke his wrist, an injury that became the center of a legal and eligibility dispute.
The Injury That Changed Everything
According to court filings, Johnson and his legal team argued that Penn State misdiagnosed an earlier wrist injury. Instead of being sidelined for recovery, he continued playing - logging more games than the NCAA’s medical redshirt rule allows. That decision, they claimed, ultimately led to the more serious, season-ending injury.
The NCAA initially denied Johnson’s medical hardship waiver, which would have preserved a year of eligibility. But Judge Sheryl K. Munson stepped in, granting a temporary restraining order that allows Johnson to play while his legal case continues.
It’s a significant development, not just for Johnson, but for Ohio State, which adds a seasoned, athletic wing with Big Ten experience as it gears up for the heart of conference play.
What’s Next for Johnson and the Buckeyes
Even though he’s now eligible, Johnson didn’t appear in Ohio State’s recent win over Minnesota. His last game action came nearly a year ago, on January 15, 2025. After such a long layoff, it’s reasonable to expect a ramp-up period before he’s fully game-ready.
Still, his addition gives the Buckeyes a valuable piece. Johnson brings length, defensive versatility, and a veteran presence to a rotation that could use an experienced boost. If he can regain his form and stay healthy, he has the potential to be a difference-maker down the stretch.
For now, the focus will be on getting him back into game shape. But make no mistake - Puff Johnson is back, and his return to the Big Ten adds another intriguing layer to an already competitive conference race.