A Look Ahead: Top Offensive Tackles With Big Potential in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we begin a new year, we'll start taking an early look ahead at top teams and players in the state of Ohio who we'll be keeping an eye on in 2026. Based on what we've seen so far, for the Class of 2027, it seems especially strong for defensive linemen. These four elite prospects stand out:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1296450"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69651e5fdc05b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The coaching staff at Columbus Academy has been very high on [player_tooltip player_id='1296450' first='Reinaldo' last='Perez'] ever since his freshman season. The 6-foot-6, 245-pound rangy defensive lineman has the goods. Uber-talented and with sky-high potential, he is an elite pass rusher with a good first step who can quickly reach the quarterback. Perez has through-the-roof upside and is going to make a strong case for being the top defensive lineman in Ohio.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622979"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69651e5fdc0cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1622979' first='Reilly' last='Newman'] is a strong prospect for Lakota West. Like Perez, he is 6-foot-6 and a lean 275 pounds. With that frame, he uses his bulk and size to shed blocks, set a vertical edge and wrap up ballcarriers behind the line-of-scrimmage. His size, speed and athleticism are elite. Some have him ranked as a three-star recruit, but I have no doubt that will improve with a strong college camp showing and even-better senior year for the Tom Bolden-coached team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622941"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69651e5fdc11d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1622941' first='Josh' last='Fasbender'] is a strong edge prospect for St. X and has the potential to be a top defensive lineman. He is a very good run defender who can attack the inside shoulder of opposing guards, shed and wrap up behind the LOS. I love his ability to stunt, create misdirection against blockers and reach the backfield. I saw him in-person during the season and was impressed with his athletic ability. Good size, strength and first-step quickness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["503618"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69651e5fdc170"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keep an eye on Middletown defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='503618' first='Jaiden' last='Davis'] and his recruiting over this offseason. I think Davis may have the most upside of any defensive lineman in the state. Very disruptive with great size, a quick first step and a nose for the ball, Davis is an extremely disruptive pass rusher and takes great angles against the run. Has a chance to be a legitimate blue-chip prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->