Better Know A Buckeye is our look at every member of Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class and how they became Buckeyes as they prepare to begin their OSU careers this fall.
Damari Simeon didn't have a composite ranking in early 2025. Still, he dominated the camp/visit circuit and quickly emerged as a four-star defensive tackle in the 2026 class.
Damari Simeon
- Size: 6-2/288
- Position: DL
- School: St. Augustine Prep (Richland, New Jersey)
- 247 Sports Composite: ★★★★
- Composite Rank: #214 (#25 DL)
Background
When Simeon received an offer from Ohio State after Larry Johnson visited him in New Jersey in February 2025, the defensive lineman wasn't yet ranked in the composite rankings, yet he had already received 37 Division I offers.
Simeon took an official visit to Columbus on June 20, 2025, his last OV among his top four schools. A week after those official visits came to an end, Simeon committed to Ohio State over Michigan, Penn State and Texas, among others.
He played varsity throughout his four years at St. Augustine Prep, including as a starter in his final three high school seasons.
As a freshman, he had 15 tackles (two for loss) while playing sparingly. In his first season as a starter, Simeon notched 30 tackles (eight for loss), three sacks and one forced fumble in his sophomore year. As a junior, Simeon totaled 47 tackles (nine for loss), 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. In his final high school season, Simeon had 39 tackles (16 for loss), 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
St. Augustine Prep already up 14-0. The Hermits forced a 3-and-out in their first defensive possession due in large part to Damari Simeon sack.
— Mick Walker (@mickdwalker) August 30, 2025
I believe thats an O-H after as well pic.twitter.com/5Q74pBoJtp
Scouting Report
While Simeon's stats don't stand out, his film tells a different story. The 6-2, 288-pounder 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 also makes him tough to block up the middle.
When going against smaller offensive linemen in high school, he overpowered them with his strength. Against bigger competition, he used his quickness to get by them. Either way, he made a living in opposing backfields.
With that, Simeon has room to grow in the technical components of his game. Along with developing his skill set, he will likely need to add some weight to his frame. While Simeon lined up both inside and outside across the defensive line for St. Augustine Prep, he's projected to play 3-technique defensive tackle at Ohio State.
Depth Chart Outlook
In his first season as a Buckeye, Simeon will compete with fellow freshmen Emanuel Ruffin and Jamir Perez for the sixth DT spot on the three-deep behind James Smith, Eddrick Houston, Jason Moore, John Walker and Will Smith Jr.
If he develops well on and off the field as a freshman, Simeon's first real chance at playing time could come as a sophomore, though he’s more likely to contend for a starting job as an upperclassman.
Simeon could also play as a defensive end in three-man fronts given the versatility he demonstrated throughout his high school career, but defensive tackle will be his primary position for Ohio State.
Player Comparison: Haskell Garrett
Better Know A Buckeye
The former Buckeye spent five years in Columbus. After minimal playing time on defense during his first two seasons at Ohio State, Garrett combined for 52 tackles (13.5 for loss), 7.5 sacks, two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and two touchdowns in his final three seasons at OSU.
He broke out during the COVID-19 season of 2020, recording 20 tackles with four tackles for loss and a pick-six, earning first-team All-American honors. As a fifth-year senior in 2021, the 6-2, 300-pound defensive tackle had a career-best 22 tackles (seven for loss) and 5.5 sacks.
Simeon's trajectory for not only playing time but also his impact as a defensive tackle and playmaker in the middle of Ohio State's defensive line could align closely to Garrett's career in Columbus. If he puts in the work in the weight room while also developing his skill set on the field, Simeon could be a key part of Ohio State's defensive line as a disruptive 3-technique as an upperclassman, the same way Garrett was.
