2026 Ohio Team Previews: Pickerington North Part Two

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Click <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/przoh-team-previews-pickerington-north-2/" id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/przoh-team-previews-pickerington-north-2/">HERE</a> for part one of the preview!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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>Now, we finish our total team preview on 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. 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 were great at scoring in big games 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":["852080"],"_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-6870f2482eed3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Andyriq has been one of my guys throughout his career, and his recent commitment to Ohio University was a great pickup for the Bobcats. Now, he'll look to be the feature player in the Panther offense. He is as useful as a pass catcher from the backfield as he is a running back. He has a low center of gravity and a thick build that helps him break off tackles. He's got the burst you want in a running back and can make home-run plays on any given down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2173965"],"_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-6a451e6fe9c81"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dennis turned heads at Canal Winchester in 2025 and is now a part of the Pickerington North squad in 2026. Dennis is an electric weapon added to the Panthers' receiving core. He can separate at every level. In the short game, he needs the ball in his hands quickly, as with space, Dennis may be the most dangerous creator in the OCC. Down the field, he tracks the ball very well and can make impressive catches off balance. I'm excited to see if Dennis can continue his performance that he found at Canal Winchester.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1953941"],"_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-6a451e6fe9cf0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tatum put together a great 2025 season at Hilliard Bradley and has now transferred to Pickerington North over the offseason. His ability as a run defender is impressive. He is great at using his length and can initiate tackles early off the edge. His power as a pass rusher wins consistently, and overall, Tatum can do it all and will provide the Panthers with a three-down asset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1881134"],"_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-6a44db2c7bcba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Demetrius is such a fun player to watch live for the Panthers defense. He's a rangy linebacker in coverage who can go sideline to sideline in run defense. He gets downhill quickly and can lay some big hits down. He makes up for his size in his reading of the front and can get himself into position to make tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2107313"],"_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-6a451e6fe9f73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Antonio could be the turning point nose tackle the Panthers have needed to shut down some of the heavy run teams that have plagued them at times. He comes over from rival Pickerington Central with big expectations. He eats up space with his strength and length. He can disrupt the offense also as a pass rusher with his play strength. The expectations for Antonio will be high.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["963746"],"_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-6a44db2c7bc52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Avery took his spot in the Pick North offensive line last season and excelled, earning 2nd Team All-OCC honors. He brings the motor and fundamentals you look for in a young offensive lineman. He's quick and plays with energy at guard, and also provides energy on the sidelines. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Avery is one of the most underrated players in all of Central Ohio.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631505"],"_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-6a44db2c7bd4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miguel will look to break out this season for Pickerington North. He has good burst and can get open quickly with his footwork. For his size, he is an excellent blocker who wants to get after it. He is scrappy and will be someone who will make you pay if you give him an opportunity to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["949639"],"_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-6a44db2c7bd93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jayveon found a home at left tackle for the Panthers' offensive line unit in 2025. He has good hand placement and has good play strength. In the run game, he moves well and can hold his defenders outside in their zone run game. In pass pro, he has the physicality to win early and does a great job at finishing his blocks early in the play.</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 RB/LB Raphson Tangkiang</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 WR Tyice Warren</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 OL Noah Martin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2029 WR/DB Carter Frank</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2029 DL Braedon Scott</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2030 OL Brock Schultz</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 -->