In the world of college football recruiting, the 2026 class is shaping up to be a particularly intriguing one, and Damari Simeon is a name that stands out. As an expert commentator, I can't help but be fascinated by the journey of this young defensive lineman, who has already made a significant impact despite not having a composite ranking until recently. What makes this story even more captivating is the potential for Simeon to become a future starter on Ohio State's interior defensive line, a position that has seen its fair share of success in the past.
Simeon's path to becoming a Buckeye is an intriguing one. He received an offer from Ohio State after a visit from Larry Johnson in February 2025, and his lack of a composite ranking at the time only adds to the intrigue. With 37 Division I offers already under his belt, it's clear that Simeon is a highly sought-after prospect. His official visit to Columbus in June 2025 was the last of his top four schools, and a week later, he committed to Ohio State over the likes of Michigan, Penn State, and Texas. This decision was not made lightly, and it speaks to the allure of the Buckeyes program.
Simeon's high school career at St. Augustine Prep was a testament to his talent. He played varsity all four years, starting in his final three seasons. As a freshman, he had 15 tackles and two for loss, but it was in his sophomore year that he truly made an impact. With 30 tackles, eight for loss, three sacks, and one forced fumble, Simeon showed his potential as a disruptive force on the defensive line. His junior year saw him notch 47 tackles, nine for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, further solidifying his status as a standout player.
What makes Simeon's story even more fascinating is the comparison to former Buckeye Haskell Garrett. Garrett spent five years in Columbus, and while he had minimal playing time in his first two seasons, he went on to have a successful career. In his final three seasons, he combined for 52 tackles, 13.5 for loss, 7.5 sacks, two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns. The COVID-19 season of 2020 was particularly notable, as Garrett earned first-team All-American honors with 20 tackles, four for loss, and a pick-six. As a fifth-year senior in 2021, he had a career-best 22 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
Simeon's trajectory could very well mirror Garrett's. If he puts in the work in the weight room and continues to develop his skill set on the field, he could become a key part of Ohio State's defensive line as a disruptive 3-technique defensive tackle. While his stats may not stand out, his film tells a different story. The 6-2, 288-pound Simeon uses his quickness and burst off the line, along with his quick hands, to shed blocks and get in the backfield. His ability to lower his body and dip while sliding makes him tough to block up the middle, and his strength allows him to overpower smaller offensive linemen.
However, there are areas where Simeon can improve. He will likely need to add some weight to his frame and develop his technical skills. While he has the potential to play both inside and outside across the defensive line, his primary position at Ohio State is projected to be 3-technique defensive tackle. In his first season as a Buckeye, he will compete for the sixth DT spot on the three-deep behind established players like James Smith, Eddrick Houston, Jason Moore, John Walker, and Will Smith Jr. While playing time may be limited initially, Simeon's development could lead to a starting job as an upperclassman.
In my opinion, Simeon's commitment to Ohio State is a significant development in the 2026 recruiting class. His journey from an unranked prospect to a highly sought-after recruit is a testament to his talent and potential. While there are areas where he can improve, his quickness, burst, and strength make him a disruptive force on the defensive line. If he continues to develop and put in the work, he could very well become a key part of Ohio State's defensive line, following in the footsteps of former Buckeyes like Haskell Garrett. As an expert commentator, I can't help but be excited to see how Simeon's career unfolds in the coming years.
