2026 Ohio Team Previews: Pickerington North Part One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is officially July, so let's start the month with official Prep Redzone Ohio Team Previews! Throughout July and August, other team members and I will bring you previews of several schools around the state and give you an in-depth look ahead to their respective 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we look ahead at the reigning and defending OCC-Ohio champions, the Pickerington North Panthers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Season Review (9-2)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 season for Pickerington North started on a 24-0 loss to eventual state semi-finalist, St. Edward. After that, the Panthers would run the table in the regular season, heading into the playoffs at an impressive 9-1. Finishing their run off with a massive 35-0 victory over Gahanna Lincoln to both win the conference and snap a four-game losing streak to the Golden Lions, a foe that has cost them several outright conference titles. With that crucial victory, we saw them head into the playoffs with momentum and a top-four seed's bye. After the bye, a slow start and a tough Upper Arlington defense stunned the Panthers with a late-game winning field goal to win 30-27. After a regional final appearance in 2024, the Panthers were looking to make a deep run once again, but came up short. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Season Outlook</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach Nate Hillerich and the Pickerington North program will look to break through and advance past the regional finals for the first time in program history in the 2026 season. Hillerich holds a 75-30 record with the program and has reached the regional finals twice in his tenure (2017, 2024). Heading into the offseason, Pickerington North has done a fantastic job of showing out at prospect camps and proving that some of the best talent in Ohio is on its squad. The Panthers bring back a solid core from 2025, giving them a great chance to make a deep run this upcoming season. This will be the first season since 2023 without lead quarterback Jarin Mock, so the offense has a hole to be filled. Now comes in 2028 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='432284' first='Chase' last='McKee']. McKee is a transfer who left the Panthers two seasons ago but has come back home from Gahanna Lincoln. I expect to see a run-heavy offense, led by senior Andryiq Thomas. The offensive line has had a year to grow and should be a shining area for the team. Last season, the Panthers in big games were great at scoring when needed, but weren't an offense that consistently lit teams up. Defensively, the team has lost a ton of talent to D1 programs. The Panthers allowed 10+ points just three times last season, and it was led by a stifling secondary. With 3 starting losses in the secondary and key contributors also lost from the mix, the development from years past will be on full display this season. The front seven should play fast and break down opposing fronts from sideline to sideline. Similar to last season, the balance will be key for the Panthers success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Graduations</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB Jarin Mock - Bowling Green</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB Amar'e Miller - Ohio State</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB Malachi Taylor - Ohio</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>EDGE Malachi Ervin - Buffalo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB Ryan Miller - Ohio</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL Elijah Durham-Smith - Bowling Green</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB Daunte Curtis - Akron</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR Grant Williams - Wittenburg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1620681"],"_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-6870f2482f036"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Geo has officially become a top recruited defensive back on a national scale, picking up both Michigan and Ohio State offers. Geo is a versatile defender who can play corner, nickel, and safety. He is great against the run and tackles well. As a defender, he's not going to be targeted much, as his athleticism and ball skills are top-notch in terms of technique. Now with the offers coming in, Geo can look to play with a bit of swagger while keeping his steady base.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["432284"],"_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-6a4527b5eda31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chase will finally get his opportunity to be the starting quarterback in Central Ohio. Chase set records in middle school with the Panthers and was highly thought of coming into his high school career. Chase has exceptional size and passes that eye test. His ball is impressive, and I think he'll showcase one of the best arms in Central Ohio, if not the best. I think we're all excited to see what Chase can do back at Pickerington North.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2115731"],"_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-6a451e6fe9d45"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kymani is the explosive downfield target for the Panther offense. He's got a great burst and is a good athlete in general. He can high point the ball well downfield and showcases great balance. He's also a good blocker and can open holes for the run game on the boundary. He isn't necessarily a volume target, as he only had 17 catches on the season last year, but he did have 5 touchdowns and 301 yards to go with it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["949473"],"_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-6a44db2c7bd07"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Massuod turned some heads with a breakout 2025 season. He has such explosive athleticism. He can flip his hips very smoothly and can track deep in man coverage well. He's got great hand placement and has exceptional ball skills. He's also a physical tackler and can close space very quickly to make plays in the run game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1970253"],"_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-6a451e6fe9dcf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Landen came over from Reynoldsburg and will look to break into the offensive line. At Reynoldsburg, he played right tackle, but I believe he will move inside to guard. He plays much stronger than his listed size and has an excellent motor to finish plays. His foot speed is good, and his ability to pass-protect well gives him a solid floor to play on. I'm excited to see what Landen can do with this opportunity to play at a top contender in Central Ohio.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2207164"],"_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-6a451e6fe9ecf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Noah has the potential to break out as a star on this offensive unit. He has legit low 4.4 speed and is a breakaway athlete. His ability to get upfield quickly and make the first man miss is impressive. He excels in short screens and routes that get him into open space, like crossers. Noah is one of the best verifiable athletes in Central Ohio.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1682436"],"_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-6a451e6fe9f1e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Braylon is a transfer coming in from Dublin Coffman. He was very productive last year, finishing with 51.5 tackles, 6 TFLs, and 5 sacks. He's versatile in playing on the edge and the interior. He's got quick hands and excels at swimming past his man as a pass rusher. As a run defender, he sets the edge well and makes plays outside his assignment. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1990211"],"_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-6a451e6fe9e79"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kingston started at right tackle for Pickerington North last season. Kingston has a strong anchor and deals with power off the edge very well. He's got tons of play strength that he leans on to win consistently. In the run game, he drives his feet off contact and can drive his guy into the turf. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">More Names to Know</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='2239497' first='Matthew' last='Peterson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='2092268' first='Dallas' last='Scott']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 DL [player_tooltip player_id='2239457' first='Semaj' last='Lee']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 DB [player_tooltip player_id='2115733' first='Keith' last='Fincher']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2029 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1546706' first='Kylion' last='Weller-Massey']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Schedule</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/21</strong>&nbsp;– at Troy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/28 </strong>&nbsp;– St. Ignatius</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/4&nbsp;</strong>– at Pickerington Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/11</strong>&nbsp;– Dublin Coffman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/18</strong>&nbsp;– at Olentangy Orange</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/25</strong>&nbsp;– at Westerville Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/2</strong>&nbsp;– Central Crossing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/9</strong>&nbsp;– at Grove City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/16</strong>&nbsp;– at New Albany</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/23</strong>&nbsp;– Gahanna Lincoln</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->