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Ohio High School Football: Defensive linemen watchlist

rivalsby: Rivals Staff08/21/25Rivals
DL-Ohio

Elite Ohio Defensive Line Prospects to Watch

The Rivals Ohio staff has spotlighted the top defensive line prospects in Ohio for 2025, using 2024 All-Ohio honors and postseason recognition as a foundation. These athletes represent the next generation of game-wreckers coming out of Ohio’s rich football tradition, ready to pressure quarterbacks and shut down the run at the next level.

Covering the Classes of 2026 through 2028, this watchlist highlights linemen from across the state who consistently controlled the line of scrimmage during the 2024 season. Their size, quickness, and ability to dominate up front have already drawn serious interest from college recruiters across the Midwest and beyond.

Think you belong on this list? The best way to get on our radar is to create or claim your Rivals recruiting profile. Make sure your film, measurables, and stats are up-to-date so the Rivals team—and the hundreds of college coaches who rely on our network—can find and evaluate you.

Ohio 2026 Defensive Lineman

Aiden EwaldBascom Hopewell-Loudon2026
Allen Hess-CardonaGirard2026
Anthony JallohColumbus Franklin Heights2026
Arthur Scott IIIStreetsboro2026
Austin AdkinsStrongsville2026
Ben CongdonZoarville Tuscarawas Valley2026
Caden DuganStrasburg-Franklin2026
Caden TurnerCoal Grove2026
Carter BameCarey2026
CJ BarbaraFindlay Liberty-Benton2026
Colson KellerSugarcreek Garaway2026
Cooper BauerGrandview Heights2026
Daniel StephensLewis Center Olentangy2026
Danny TillerBurton Berkshire2026
Derrick SingletaryMiddletown2026
Dillon KingSugarcreek Garaway2026
Eli NicholsBrunswick2026
Elijah Durham-SmithPickerington North2026
Ephy KelleySteubenville2026
Evan KimmerleRichmond Edison2026
Evan RickettsMorral Ridgedale2026
Ezra WilliamsLorain2026
Frankie McCallisterColumbus DeSales2026
Gavin GindlespergerAkron Manchester2026
Grant SmithHamler Patrick Henry2026
Jace ThompsonCrooksville2026
Jack SimpsonCincinnati Mariemont2026
Jamarcus WhyceTrotwood-Madison2026
James HallSt. Bernard St. Bernard-Elmwood Place2026
Kale WebbXenia2026
Kyan McGheeCleveland Rhodes2026
Logan WhiteHarrison2026
Luke McMillionWintersville Indian Creek2026
Marquez WilliamsFremont Ross2026
Mike BranchCleves Taylor2026
Payne DeGrayNorth Robinson Colonel Crawford2026
Roman GilbertWooster Triway2026
Royce RogersSpringfield2026
Trent MerrellElyria Catholic2026
Trent TaylorPerry2026
Ty BledsoeKirtland2026
Wesley ShegogThornville Sheridan2026
Zach SalleeGalion2026

Ohio 2027 Defensive Linemen

Bariyus AllenDayton Belmont2027
Beau SandersUpper Scioto Valley2027
Cade LeistPike Eastern2027
Corbin FarnsworthWoodsfield Monroe Central2027
Dom LetlowYoungstown Mooney2027
Martin HernandezNewcomerstown2027
Mason WiltSt. Clairsville2027
Michael BoyleColumbus Watterson2027