After winning a temporary restraining order from Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in Ohio on Friday, guard Puff Johnson is set to join the Ohio State team immediately for his sixth season of college basketball.
Johnson played for North Carolina in 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23, then was a regular for Penn State in 2023-24 and 2024-25. He appeared in at least 14 games in every season.
According to ESPN, his legal argument for receiving a sixth year revolved around the misdiagnosis of a wrist injury last season that caused him to play more games than he should have.
Judge Sheryl K. Munson ruled in Johnson’s favor, writing, “Johnson has demonstrated that he will suffer irreparable injury if a temporary restraining order is not issued, including the imminent and permanent loss of his final collegiate season at The Ohio State University, as well as loss of development opportunities, exposure, and associated NIL value, harms that are incalculable and cannot be remedied by money damages.”
Ohio State coach Jake Diebler said 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.”
Johnson averaged career highs of 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 1.4 steals in 17 games (all starts) last season for the Nittany Lions.
In 111 total games, including 31 starts, he has averages of 5.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 0.6 steals.
The Buckeyes (11-5, 3-3 Big Ten) have lost two of their past three games heading into a Saturday home contest against UCLA.
