Donovan "Puff" Johnson, the former Penn State and North Carolina guard, has been cleared to join the Ohio State Buckeyes basketball team after a Franklin County judge issued a temporary restraining order against the NCAA's ruling on his eligibility. As reported by ABC 6 On Your Side, this allows Johnson to play for the 2025-2026 season, stepping onto the court immediately while his legal challenge progresses.
Johnson's case revolved around the NCAA's denial of a medical hardship waiver based on the "five-year rule," which restricts player eligibility, but his attorneys argued that such rules may violate Ohio's Valentine Act and cause "irreparable harm." According to ON3, the judge's order highlighted that Johnson would endure "imminent and permanent loss of his final collegiate season" along with missed development opportunities and potential NIL compensation, which couldn't be resolved through monetary damages.
Ohio State coach Jake Diebler has discussed the integration of Johnson into the Buckeyes' lineup, as captured by Eleven Warriors, where he commented on the physical and rotational readiness required before Johnson hits the floor, expressing confidence in his team's chemistry and Johnson's fit despite joining late in the season.
