Eric Boggs
Ohio State continues to build a dominant foundation for its 2026 recruiting class, this time fortifying the interior of its defensive line with the commitment of Damari Simeon. The New Jersey native chose the Buckeyes over a loaded list of suitors that included Michigan, Penn State, Texas, and more than 30 other major programs such as Alabama, USC, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame. This is a massive win for Larry Johnson, who has once again proven his elite eye for talent by identifying and landing Simeon before the rest of the nation caught up.
When Johnson extended the offer back in February, Simeon wasn’t even on the composite rankings radar. Fast forward to now, and he’s a consensus four-star prospect ranked No. 201 overall and the No. 26 defensive lineman in the 2026 class by 247Sports. That rise in status reflects the explosive impact he had on coaches and analysts alike during the spring evaluation period. At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, Simeon is a physical presence with the agility and hand technique to cause disruption at the point of attack.
During his junior campaign at St. Augustine Prep, Simeon totaled 47 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception, and a forced fumble—impressive numbers that don’t even tell the full story. His game tape shows a high-motor lineman capable of shooting gaps with quickness and using violent hands to beat offensive linemen. He has shown versatility by lining up both inside and outside, but at Ohio State, he projects best as a 3-technique tackle, with the potential to play 5-technique in certain fronts.
Simeon becomes Ohio State’s 18th commit in the 2026 cycle and joins edge rusher Khary Wilder as the second defensive lineman in the class. He’s also the second prospect from New Jersey to join the Buckeyes, joining cornerback Jordan Thomas, continuing a trend of top-tier Garden State talent choosing Columbus. This staff’s national footprint, especially in the northeast, remains strong under Ryan Day and his elite recruiting team.
While Simeon may not start right away—with current standout Eddrick Houston projected to be the anchor at 3-tech in 2025 and 2026—he brings long-term starter upside. With the right development under Johnson, he could become another in a long line of Buckeye defensive linemen who go on to dominate at the next level. As he adds bulk and refines his technique, there’s little doubt he’ll have the tools to contribute meaningfully on Saturdays in the near future.
The Buckeyes may not be done on the interior defensive line either. All eyes are now on IMG Academy’s Cameron Brickle, who is set to announce his decision soon, with Ohio State very much in the mix. Combined with other defensive tackle targets like Jamir Perez, Deuce Geralds, and Emanuel Ruffin, the Buckeyes are clearly prioritizing depth and talent in the trenches for this cycle.
For Ohio State fans, Simeon’s commitment is more than just another recruiting win—it’s another piece in the puzzle of reloading for national championship contention.
