If you only glance at a box score, you might miss why Xavier Johnson Ohio State fans still talk about him with such reverence. Honestly, his career stats don’t scream "superstar." He didn't have the 1,000-yard seasons of a Marvin Harrison Jr. or the flashy highlight reel of a Chris Olave. But if you ask Ryan Day or any Buckeye die-hard about "X," they’ll tell you he was the heartbeat of the program for half a decade.
He was the guy who did everything nobody else wanted to do.
Coming out of Summit Country Day in Cincinnati, Johnson was a three-star recruit with legitimate Power 5 offers. Schools like Iowa State and Cincinnati wanted him on scholarship. Instead, he chose to be a preferred walk-on in Columbus. That's a bold move. Most kids want the free ride and the guaranteed spot. Johnson just wanted to be a Buckeye.
The Long Road from Walk-On to Captain
He didn't just walk on; he survived.
For years, Xavier Johnson was a ghost on the depth chart. He bounced around more than a deflected pass. One week he was a cornerback. The next, he was back in the running back room. Then he was a receiver. Usually, when a coach moves a player that much, it's because they don't know what to do with them. For Johnson, it was because he was too useful to keep off the field.
It took until his fifth and sixth years for the world to really see it. By the time 2023 rolled around, he wasn't just a "feel-good story" anymore. He was a team captain. He was the guy wearing the Block O jersey.
👉 See also: NFL Fantasy Pick Em: Why Most Fans Lose Money and How to Actually Win
"My goal is to continue to inspire hope in this team," Johnson said when he received that jersey.
That number zero isn't just a jersey; it's the highest honor at Ohio State. It’s given to the player who embodies the toughness and character of Bill Willis. For a former walk-on to earn that? It’s basically unheard of.
Big Plays When They Actually Counted
Xavier Johnson had a weird knack for appearing exactly when Ohio State was in trouble.
Remember the 2022 season opener against Notre Dame? The Buckeyes were struggling. The offense looked stuck in second gear. Then, out of nowhere, C.J. Stroud finds Johnson for a 24-yard touchdown in the third quarter. It was his first career touchdown. It gave Ohio State the lead for good.
Then he went out on the very next play and made a tackle on the kickoff coverage inside the 15-yard line. Who does that? A guy who played 924 special teams snaps, that’s who.
✨ Don't miss: Inter Miami vs Toronto: What Really Happened in Their Recent Clashes
The Georgia Spin Move
The 2022 Peach Bowl against Georgia remains one of the most heartbreaking losses in Buckeye history, but Johnson provided one of its brightest sparks. Before halftime, he caught a pass, pulled off a nasty 360-degree spin move that left a Bulldogs defender grasping at air, and walked into the end zone.
It wasn't a fluke.
That play showed the raw athleticism he’d been honing while playing scout team ball for years. He finished his career with:
- 346 rushing yards (8.4 yards per carry!)
- 329 receiving yards
- 582 kick return yards
- 26 receptions and 3 total offensive touchdowns
He was the ultimate "Swiss Army Knife." If a running back got hurt, X went to the backfield. If a receiver needed a breather, X was on the perimeter.
Life After the Horseshoe
After his six-year saga in Columbus ended, the NFL journey hasn't been a straight line. He went undrafted in 2024, which wasn't a huge surprise given his age and "hybrid" role. But the league loves versatility.
🔗 Read more: Matthew Berry Positional Rankings: Why They Still Run the Fantasy Industry
He spent time with the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Texans. Most recently, he found a spot back in his hometown. On December 10, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals signed him to their practice squad. As of early 2026, he’s signed a reserve/future contract with Cincinnati.
It’s fitting. The kid from Cincinnati, who walked on at Ohio State and became a legend through sheer grit, is now trying to make it in the same city where it all started.
What We Can Learn From the Xavier Johnson Story
Most players hit the transfer portal the second things get difficult. Johnson stayed. He graduated in December 2021 with a degree in consumer and family financial services. Then he stuck around and started a Master’s in translational data analysis.
He proved that you don't need to be the "No. 1 option" to be the most important person in the room.
If you’re a young athlete or even just someone grinding in a job where you feel overlooked, look at Xavier Johnson Ohio State highlights. He didn't pout when he was moved to cornerback. He didn't quit when he was playing on the punt team in his fourth year. He just worked until he was undeniable.
Next Steps for Buckeye Fans:
- Watch the 2022 Notre Dame highlights specifically to see his touchdown and the subsequent kickoff tackle—it’s the perfect summary of his game.
- Follow his progress with the Bengals this offseason; players with his special teams experience often find a way to stick on the 53-man roster during training camp.
- Look for the Block O recipient each August. It’s the new gold standard for leadership in the program, and Xavier Johnson set the bar incredibly high for whoever wears it next.