Stat Monsters: Breaking Down Ohio’s Top Tackling Leaders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Football season in Ohio kicks off this week, and we take a look today at the top players in total tackles from last season in Ohio as we head into the 2026 season. These four players are must-know names as they enter the fall season, and big things are expected of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note: all statistics are courtesy of MaxPreps. Prospects who have social media and Hudl film are eligible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2337736"],"_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-6a845f240a309"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bryce McLaughlin is one of several leading tacklers and is a stout middle linebacker for Minford. McLaughlin flashes good downhill hitting ability. He can take on multiple blockers, shed and stick his nose in a pile. Good lateral mover who takes good pursuit angles. Listed as 6-1, 215 pounds, no college offers at this time. Racked up 162 tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["949494"],"_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-6a845f240a3a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> <br>Landon Lehmer is a talented returning starter for St. Edward. Lehmer, a Class of 2027 recruit who is committed to Miami (Ohio), is consantly around the ball. He can drop in coverage, break on the ball, time his hands well to break up passes, and can be a thumper as a coverage defender on kickoffs. Very hard hitter who takes great pursuit angles and flashes top-shelf instincts.  Finished the 2025 season with 158 tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207695"],"_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-6a845f240a450"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bishop Watterson will look to bounce back to the state championships in Ohio. The Eagles locked down opponents all season, including holding opponents scoreless four times and never giving up more than 15 points in a game. A key returning starter who helped make it happen is Ben Uhlenhake, a 6-foot-0, 215-pound linebacker who is committed to Ohio. He is a very hard hitter and excellent blitzer who can shoot through gaps, takes great angles to the QB, and can deliver heavy hits. I love his abilities v. the run where he is a sound tackler with great instincts and a nose for the ball. He finished last year with 152 total tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2337740"],"_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-6a845f240a519"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I really like Cane Balash, a Class of 2027 linebacker for Willoughby South who can drop in coverage, play the ball and make interceptions in coverage. Combined with his high tackle total in 2025 at 146, he is a very complete linebacker prospect. Possesses great closing speed, takes good angles and is a great in-space tackler who plays under control. Squares up and hits, can shed and elude blockers and stick his nose in a pile. Had 146 total tackles and added 4.5 sacks last season with three forced fumbles. No offers yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->