MASSIVE LANDING FOR BUCKEYES: Ohio State Bolsters Defense with Commitment from Elite 4-Star DT Damari Simeon Over SEC Powers
The Ohio State Buckeyes continue to assert their dominance on the recruiting trail, this time reeling in a major defensive gem with the commitment of four-star defensive tackle Damari Simeon. The announcement sent waves across the college football landscape, especially as Simeon chose the Buckeyes over top-tier SEC schools, including Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound lineman from Plantation, Florida, has long been on the radar of national programs, but Ohio State’s consistent development of NFL-caliber defensive linemen and their championship culture proved too much for Simeon to ignore.
Ranked among the top 15 defensive tackles in the 2025 recruiting class and among the top 150 overall players nationwide, Simeon brings size, power, and technique that make him a ready-made fit for the trenches in Columbus. His combination of quickness off the line, disruptive hand usage, and ability to anchor against double teams has drawn comparisons to Buckeye greats such as DaVon Hamilton and Haskell Garrett. For head coach Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson, this commitment isn’t just another win—it’s a statement.
Ohio State’s defense has undergone several transitions over recent years, and with the ever-growing competition from SEC juggernauts, securing a prospect like Simeon is more important than ever. The Buckeyes know that to compete for national titles, winning battles in the trenches is critical. With Simeon in the fold, Ohio State adds a foundational piece to its 2025 defensive front that will not only solidify their run defense but also offer versatility in pass-rushing packages.
Simeon made his decision public via a carefully produced video shared on his social media accounts, thanking his family, coaches, and teammates for their support. But what truly stood out in the announcement was his praise for the Buckeye program, particularly the development under Larry Johnson. “Coach Johnson is a legend,” Simeon said. “What he’s done with players like Chase Young and the Bosa brothers speaks for itself. He’s someone I know can help me reach my potential and play on Sundays.”
His recruitment was a high-profile affair, with campus visits to Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, and Alabama all packed into a busy spring schedule. Yet each visit to Columbus seemed to inch him closer to pulling the trigger for the Scarlet and Gray. According to sources close to Simeon, the culture in Columbus—both within the football program and among the student body—resonated deeply. “It felt like home,” Simeon said. “The fans, the facilities, the way the coaches welcomed me and treated my family—it all felt real. That’s what separated Ohio State from everybody else.”
What makes Simeon such a vital get for Ohio State is not just his ranking, but how he fits schematically into the Buckeyes’ evolving defensive identity. With Jim Knowles entering his third year as the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator, Ohio State has emphasized speed, aggression, and depth on the defensive front. Players like Tyleik Williams and Michael Hall Jr. have set the tone in recent seasons, but with NFL aspirations pulling top talents early from the program, reloading with elite talent like Simeon is non-negotiable.
Scouting reports rave about Simeon’s ability to play multiple techniques. Whether he’s lined up as a 3-tech in a four-man front or kicked inside to a true nose in a five-man look, his blend of leverage and explosiveness allows him to collapse pockets and stuff run lanes with equal efficiency. As a junior at American Heritage High School, Simeon totaled 54 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, often facing double teams and still dominating the point of attack. Those numbers only tell part of the story. Watching his film reveals a relentless motor, high football IQ, and advanced hand usage for a player his age.
For Ohio State fans, the addition of Simeon is more than just a boost in recruiting rankings—it’s reassurance that the Buckeyes are not conceding ground to the SEC anytime soon. In fact, this recruitment was a head-to-head win over several SEC heavyweights who have routinely pulled top Florida talent in recent cycles. “We knew we had to keep pushing,” said one Ohio State recruiting staffer. “Florida’s loaded with talent, and getting guys like Damari out of that state is never easy, but we stayed consistent. We built a relationship with him and his family that was genuine and long-term.”
Recruiting in Florida has long been a key strategy for Ohio State, and Simeon’s commitment is a validation of that pipeline. From past Buckeye stars like Santonio Holmes and Ryan Shazier to more recent standouts like Shaun Wade, the Sunshine State has been kind to the program. Simeon appears poised to follow in their footsteps, bringing both talent and a no-nonsense work ethic that has endeared him to coaches at every level. “He’s not flashy,” his high school coach said. “He just gets the job done. Every single practice, every rep, he’s grinding. That’s why Ohio State is a perfect match for him.”
Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class now boasts a top-five national ranking with Simeon’s addition, and more momentum appears to be on the horizon. The Buckeyes have become increasingly aggressive on the trail in recent months, targeting impact players across the defensive line and secondary to round out their class. Simeon’s early commitment may also serve as a catalyst for other top targets to pull the trigger. According to recruiting insiders, fellow defensive linemen and linebacker prospects have taken notice of Simeon’s decision and are intrigued by the potential to play alongside him in Columbus.
More than just an individual win, this commitment could help set a tone for a defensive resurgence in Columbus. In an era when college football has been increasingly tilted toward offense, programs like Georgia have reminded the world that elite defenses still win championships. Ohio State, once defined by its stifling defensive units under legends like Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer, has been working to return to that identity under Ryan Day. The addition of Simeon is a clear sign they’re on the right path.
One of the more interesting elements of Simeon’s recruitment was how quietly he handled the process. While many top recruits participate in high-profile interviews, NIL deal teases, and transfer speculation, Simeon kept his focus on football and development. “That’s the type of player we want,” said Coach Johnson. “Damari is about team. He’s about doing the work. He’s got the talent, but more importantly, he’s got the mindset.”
Mindset will be crucial as Simeon prepares to make the leap from high school star to college contributor. The physical demands of Big Ten football, particularly in the trenches, are no joke. Yet many believe Simeon’s maturity and relentless approach will smooth the transition. He plans to enroll early in January, giving him a full spring to get acclimated to the speed and scheme of the college game. Early playing time is not out of the question, especially with the Buckeyes likely to lose multiple interior linemen to the NFL Draft.
Beyond football, Simeon has also expressed interest in Ohio State’s sports management program, a detail that further solidified his decision. “Football doesn’t last forever,” he said. “I want to make sure I have a plan for after. Ohio State offers that balance—elite football and strong academics.”
With national signing day still months away, nothing is ever truly final in the world of recruiting. But sources close to the situation believe Simeon is locked in with the Buckeyes. He’s already begun recruiting other prospects to join him, reaching out to fellow defensive talents and even wide receivers who could elevate the 2025 class to historic levels.
In a sport increasingly shaped by NIL deals, transfer portal dynamics, and social media buzz, Damari Simeon’s commitment to Ohio State is a refreshing reminder of what still matters most: relationships, development, and winning. The Buckeyes have landed a game-changing talent, and their message to the rest of the college football world is clear—they’re coming for the crown, one blue-chip defender at a time.
