In a stunning turn of events, Meechie Johnson Jr. is set to return to the University of South Carolina Men's Basketball team for one final season, as announced on social media on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The 6-foot-2 guard is transferring back from Ohio State, marking his second stint with the Gamecocks after a brief return to his original school.
Johnson's journey through college basketball has been nothing short of unique. He originally signed with Ohio State out of high school, joining the Buckeyes during the 2020-21 season. After two seasons in Columbus, where he averaged just 4.4 points per game in his second year, Johnson made the decision to transfer to South Carolina for the 2022-23 season. It was there that he truly found his rhythm, averaging 12.7 points per game in his first season with the Gamecocks, and culminating in a stellar 2023-24 season where he averaged 14.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. His performance earned him second-team All-SEC honors and helped lead the Gamecocks to a program record-tying 26 wins and their first NCAA Tournament berth since the 2017 Final Four run.
However, after his successful tenure at South Carolina, Johnson made the decision to return to Ohio State for what was thought to be his final season. Unfortunately, his time back with the Buckeyes was cut short; he played in only 10 games, averaging 9.1 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds before stepping away from the team for personal reasons related to mental health. Johnson did not play after December 14, 2024, and later expressed the challenges he faced during that period.
“I was just going through a lot mentally,” Johnson told The Columbus Dispatch. “Mental health is serious. It’s something I’ve dealt with my whole life. It was something that was definitely affecting me. It was my life. There was a lot going on, and basketball being something you use to be an outlet, I just didn’t feel like myself mentally. I just had to focus on my mental health. That was that.”
Now, with plans to apply for a mental health medical hardship waiver, Johnson is looking to reclaim his spot on the Gamecocks roster. If granted, this waiver would allow him to play a sixth year of college basketball, an opportunity that he is eager to seize. Johnson's return to South Carolina is not just a chance to continue his playing career; it is also a chance to reconnect with a program where he experienced significant success.
Johnson's decision to transfer back to South Carolina comes at a crucial time for the Gamecocks, who are in the process of rebuilding their roster after a disappointing 2024-25 season that saw them finish with a 12-20 record and at the bottom of the SEC. With the departures of guards Jacobi Wright and Jamarii Thomas due to graduation, Johnson's return provides a much-needed scoring threat at the guard position.
“I’m back,” Johnson proclaimed in a highlight video he posted on social media, signaling his commitment to the Gamecocks and his readiness to contribute to the team once again.
Johnson is the third transfer to join South Carolina this offseason, following the commitments of former Providence big-man Christ Essandoko and former North Dakota guard/wing Treysen Eaglestaff. The Gamecocks have been particularly active in the transfer portal, looking to bolster their roster after a challenging season.
As Johnson prepares for his return to South Carolina, fans are optimistic about what he can bring to the team. His previous success in the Garnet and Black, coupled with his determination to overcome personal challenges, paints a promising picture for the upcoming season. Johnson's ability to score, distribute the ball, and provide leadership will be invaluable as the Gamecocks aim to improve their standing in the SEC.
With the 2025-26 season approaching, Johnson's journey serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination that athletes often exhibit in the face of adversity. As he looks to reclaim his place on the court, fans and teammates alike are eager to see how Johnson will impact the Gamecocks in his final collegiate season.
In conclusion, Meechie Johnson's return to South Carolina is not just a homecoming; it is an opportunity for redemption and growth. With the support of his coaches, teammates, and the Gamecock community, Johnson is poised to make a significant impact as he embarks on this next chapter of his basketball career.
