A Big Win for Ohio State’s 2026 Class

Ohio State football enthusiasts are thrilled as four-star defensive lineman Damari Simeon committed to the Buckeyes on June 27, 2025. Being a 6-foot-3 and 290-pound beast from St. Augustine Prep in Richland, New Jersey, he chose Ohio State over big names like Michigan, Penn State, and Texas. This is a massive acquisition for the Buckeyes, building what is surely going to be a top recruitment class of 2026, with all eyes on the defense line of the future in Columbus.

Who Is Damari Simeon?

Damari Simeon is an unusual specimen of a recruit. Rated No. 201 overall and No. 26 D-lineman in the '26 class by 247Sports, his value is inexplicably higher on On3, which places him as the No. 7 DL and No. 65 overall. One scout termed him a "wrecking ball" when it came to his "freaky" athleticism, because he would "blow up plays before they even start." His quick burst off the line and ability to overpower blockers make him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

The Road to Columbus

Ohio State didn’t enter the race for Simeon until February 2025, later than some rivals like Penn State, who offered him back in July 2024. But when the Buckeyes set their sights on a target, they don’t mess around. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson and head coach Ryan Day pulled out all the stops, and a pivotal official visit to Columbus on June 20, 2025, sealed the deal. Simeon was joined by seven other commits that weekend, and the energy on campus clearly left an impression. He made it official on Instagram Live, shouting, “110% COMMITTED! GO BUCKS!”—a moment that had Buckeye Nation hyped.

Why Simeon Matters

Let’s be real: Ohio State’s defensive line needed a spark. After a quieter 2025 recruiting cycle for the D-line, landing Simeon is like hitting the jackpot. He’s only the second defensive line commit in the 2026 class, joining four-star edge rusher Khary Wilder. Simeon’s size, speed, and versatility—he’s even played tight end in high school—make him a perfect fit for Johnson’s system. During his junior year, he racked up 28 tackles, six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. Those are the kind of stats that make coaches dream of national championships.

Beating Out the Big Dogs

The recruiting battle for Simeon was no joke. Penn State had a head start and hosted him multiple times, while Texas was flexing with three top-30 defensive linemen already in their 2026 class. Michigan, another Big Ten rival, wasn’t far behind either. But Ohio State’s late push, capped by that electric June visit, proved too much for the competition. It’s a reminder that when the Buckeyes want someone, they know how to close.

What’s Next for Ohio State?

With Simeon on board, Ohio State’s 2026 class is sitting pretty at No. 5 nationally, but they’re not stopping there. The Buckeyes are still chasing other top defensive linemen like Deuce Geralds, KJ Ford, and Landon Barnes to round out the group. Add in commits like four-star offensive tackles Maxwell Riley and Sam Greer, plus top-100 safety Simeon Caldwell, and this class is shaping up to be something special. Ryan Day and his staff are clearly building a squad ready to compete with the best.

A Bright Future in Columbus

Damari Simeon's commitment is not only about one player but is about Ohio State making a strong casting choice and setting the tone for a defensive future. As Simeon prepares for his senior season at St. Augustine Prep, Buckeye fans are already counting the days until he is wreaking havoc in Scarlet and Gray. The time to celebrate will be short; have more wins to celebrate! Go Bucks!