Ohio State Newly Predicted to Land Coveted Star Over Michigan

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 2:18 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes will again try to end their losing streak versus the Michigan Wolverines this season. The best way to flip the series back in the Buckeyes favor, though, is for Ohio State to first win on the recruiting trail.

On3's Steve Wiltfong predicted Ohio State to pick up a win against Michigan on the recruiting trail Friday. Wiltfong projected the Buckeyes to land four-star defensive lineman Damari Simeon for the 2026 recruiting class.

Wiltfong projected Ohio State to get Simeon instead of the Michigan Wolverines or the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Texas Longhorns and Notre Dame Fighting Irish are also involved for the defensive line although as long shots.

On3's Alex Gleitman conveyed Thursday that he also feels good about Ohio State's chances with Simeon.

"I’ve long felt Ohio State has had a great shot with Damari Simeon and continue to feel even better coming out of the official visit last weekend," wrote Gleitman.

The On3 Recruiting Projection Machine predicted an 83.9% chance Simeon lands with the Buckeyes.

The defensive lineman will announce his final commitment decision Friday night.

FONG BOMB: On3’s @SWiltfong_ has logged an expert prediction for Ohio State to land 4-star DL Damari Simeon

Simeon is the No. 7 DL in the 2026 On300.https://t.co/qPC9S9lYei pic.twitter.com/PVTC7OC7cI
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 27, 2025

According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Simeon is the No. 26 defensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class. Simeon is also the third-ranked New Jersey prospect and the No. 201 overall recruit for 2026.

The Buckeyes can build on their recruiting lead over Penn State and Michigan with a pledge from Simeon. The 247Sports rankings has Ohio State's 2026 class rated second in the Big Ten behind only the USC Trojans.

The 2026 classes for Penn State and Michigan are rated No. 3 and 7, respectively, in the Big Ten.

In the entire country, Ohio State's class is fifth. USC possesses the top-rated class for 2026.

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

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