Ohio State Lands Coveted Star Over Michigan, Texas and Penn State

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 11:52 AM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes sealed the deal with an elite defensive lineman this weekend.

On3's Mick Walker reported Friday that four-star defensive lineman Damari Simeon committed to the Buckeyes.

That was expected. On3's Steve Wiltfong predicted Friday before Simeon's commitment that he would land with Ohio State.

But it's still a significant recruiting victory. Simeon was also considering the Michigan Wolverines, Texas Longhorns and Penn State Nittany Lions.

"Four-star Egg Harbor Township (N.J.) St. Augustine Prep defensive lineman Damari Simeon has committed to the Buckeyes over Penn State and Texas. The 6-foot-2, 275-pound Simeon also took an official visit to Michigan in June," wrote Walker.

Simeon confirmed his commitment with a post on X.

"110% Committed! Go Bucks!" Simeon wrote as a caption to the post.

The Buckeyes also received a commitment from three-star defensive lineman Cameron Brickle on Saturday.

Simeon and Brickle joined four-star edge rusher Khary Wilder as the defensive line prospects committed to Ohio State in the 2026 recruiting class.

110% COMMITTED! GO BUCKS! pic.twitter.com/7bfOCVdipH
— Damari Simeon (@Damari_Simeon) June 27, 2025

Based on the 247Sports Composite rankings, Simeon is ranked the No. 26 defensive lineman and No. 3 New Jersey prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. He also just missed being in the top 200 recruits on the composite rankings, coming in at No. 201 overall.

The Buckeyes have the fifth-ranked 2026 recruiting class, including the No. 2 Big Ten class, according to the 247Sports rankings. The USC Trojans have the No. 1 class for 2026.

The Georgia Bulldogs, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Texas A&M Aggies are also ahead of Ohio State on the class rankings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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