'This Isn’t What I Imagined': Meechie Johnson Reflects On Ohio State Transfer

this isn’t what i imagined nor thought my career would be like but I serve a perfect merciful and graceful god and i know this is his journey for me.”

His decision to rejoin South Carolina comes after a challenging year, during which he played only 10 games due to personal reasons and mental health challenges. Johnson has been open about his journey, emphasizing his faith and resilience in navigating an unconventional college basketball career.

To be eligible for the 2025–2026 season, Johnson is seeking a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA. This waiver, if approved, would grant him a sixth year of eligibility, allowing him to continue his college basketball journey. The waiver is based on the time he missed during the 2024–2025 season due to mental health-related issues.

How Many Times Has Meechie Johnson Transferred So Far?

Meechie Johnson‘s basketball journey has been a unique and eventful one. He began his college career at Ohio State University in 2020, joining the Buckeyes as a four-star recruit. During his first two seasons, he primarily came off the bench, averaging modest minutes and contributing as a role player. Seeking more opportunities, Johnson transferred to South Carolina in 2022.

At South Carolina, Johnson thrived, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities. In the 2023-24 season, he had a breakout year, averaging 14.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, earning him second-team All-SEC honors. However, after this successful stint, he decided to return to Ohio State for the 2024-25 season, taking advantage of the NCAA’s COVID-19 waiver for an additional year of eligibility.

Unfortunately, his second tenure at Ohio State was short-lived. Johnson played only 10 games before stepping away from the team to focus on his mental health, a decision he later described as necessary for his well-being.

For his 2024-2025 season with Ohio State, Meechie Johnson averaged 9.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He shot 35.6% from the field, 35.7% from three-point range, and 50.0% from the free-throw line.