ZH #96

Zach Harrison

Defensive End · Ohio State

A five-star Ohio State recruit turned Falcons rotational edge rusher, Zach Harrison has steadily grown into a full-time starter up front.

Zach Harrison arrived in Atlanta as a third-round pick out of Ohio State with elite size and athleticism, and he has spent his first four pro seasons converting that raw talent into consistent production. Now entrenched as a starting defensive end for the Falcons, the 6-foot-6 lineman has become a steady presence against the run and an increasingly disruptive pass rusher.

★ Three-time All-Big Ten selection at Ohio State, first-team as a senior

★ Five-star recruit and No. 2 strongside defensive end in the 2019 class

★ Career-high 4.5 sacks in 2025 before a season-ending knee injury

Path to the league

Harrison was a five-star recruit out of Ohio and the No. 2 strongside defensive end in the 2019 class, staying home to play for the Buckeyes. Over 46 games at Ohio State from 2019-2022 he posted 106 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss and 13.0 sacks, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors as a senior. The Falcons selected him in the third round, 75th overall, in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Harrison spent his rookie year rotating behind veteran Calais Campbell, who co-led the Falcons in sacks that season, and used the experience to develop his pass-rushing technique. He has steadily increased his role each year, moving from situational pass rusher to a regular starter on Atlanta's defensive line.

2025 season recap

Harrison started each of Atlanta's first six games in 2025 and was playing the best football of his career, racking up 17 tackles and 3.5 sacks before adding a 22nd tackle and a fourth sack in Week 7. He was placed on injured reserve in late November with a knee injury, finishing the season with 22 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass defensed across seven games.