Zach Harrison Bio
Zachary Harrison is an American professional football defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 14, 2001, in Lewis Center, Ohio, Harrison played college football at Ohio State University, where he developed into a standout defensive player. Selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he has continued to grow as a pass rusher at the professional level.
Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 270 pounds, Harrison brings length and power to the Falcons defensive line. He earned First-team All-Big Ten honors during his college career and has been recognized as one of the more promising young edge defenders from his draft class. He remains an active and developing contributor for Atlanta.
Early Life and Background
Zachary Harrison was born and raised in Lewis Center, Ohio, a suburb north of Columbus. He grew up in a community with a strong high school football tradition, and he attended Olentangy Orange High School, where he first began to attract statewide attention as a defensive lineman.
At Olentangy Orange, Harrison quickly developed into one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the country. His combination of size, athletic ability, and production at the defensive end position helped him earn a spot in the 2019 All-American Bowl, one of the premier high school all-star games that showcases the top senior prospects in the nation.
Rated as a five-star recruit, Harrison was considered one of the top defensive ends in his recruiting class. He chose to continue his football career at Ohio State University, a program with a long history of producing elite defensive linemen and sending players to the NFL. His commitment to the Buckeyes reflected both his competitive drive and his interest in developing within a proven defensive system.
Path to Professional Football
Harrison’s path to the NFL began with his arrival at Ohio State in 2019. As a true freshman, he adjusted quickly to the speed and physicality of college football. He appeared in all 14 games during his first season, earned one start, and recorded 24 tackles along with 3.5 sacks, an impressive output for a first-year defensive end.
His early production helped establish him as a future cornerstone of the Buckeyes defensive line. He earned Second-team All-Big Ten recognition in both 2020 and 2021, showing steady growth as a pass rusher and run defender. These honors reflected his consistency and his ability to compete against top-tier offensive tackles in the conference.
In 2022, Harrison elevated his play to a new level and was named First-team All-Big Ten. His strong senior campaign solidified his status as one of the top defensive end prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class and set the stage for his transition to professional football.
Zach Harrison Career
College Career (2019–2022)
Harrison spent four seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes, competing in one of the strongest conferences in college football. During his true freshman year in 2019, he played in all 14 games, made one start, and finished with 24 tackles and 3.5 sacks, providing an early glimpse of his pass-rushing potential.
Across his sophomore and junior seasons in 2020 and 2021, Harrison earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors in both years. He developed into a more complete edge defender, refining his technique against the run while continuing to pressure opposing quarterbacks. His growth during these seasons helped Ohio State maintain one of the top defensive fronts in the Big Ten.
Senior Season and All-Big Ten Selection (2022)
Harrison’s senior season in 2022 represented the peak of his college career. He earned First-team All-Big Ten recognition, cementing his place among the conference’s top defensive linemen. His performance that season reflected the work he had put in throughout his earlier years at Ohio State and positioned him as a likely early-round NFL Draft pick.
By the end of his college career, Harrison had built a reputation as a long, athletic defensive end with the ability to disrupt both the passing and running game. His consistent production and All-Big Ten honors made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams seeking depth and upside along the defensive line.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2023–Present)
Harrison was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round, 75th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. His selection gave Atlanta a young defensive end with the size and athletic profile to develop into a long-term contributor on the edge.
As a rookie in 2023, Harrison appeared in 16 games and made a smooth transition to the professional level. He finished his first NFL season with 3 sacks, 33 total tackles including 18 solo stops, and one pass defended. Those numbers demonstrated that he could hold his own against veteran offensive tackles while still learning the nuances of professional defensive schemes.
Entering the 2025 season, Harrison had grown into one of Atlanta’s starting defensive linemen. Through his early-season play, he recorded one pass deflection, two forced fumbles, 4.5 sacks, and 22 combined tackles. On November 22, 2025, he was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury, pausing what had been a productive campaign. Despite the setback, his role as a starter reflected his standing within the Falcons defense.
Driving Style and Strengths
Harrison plays with the length and power typical of an NFL defensive end, using his 6-foot-5 frame to keep blockers at a distance and disrupt passing lanes. He combines strong hands at the line of scrimmage with the ability to set the edge against the run, and he has shown steady growth as a pass rusher since entering the league. His blend of size, athleticism, and technical refinement makes him a reliable piece of Atlanta’s defensive front.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the key milestones of Harrison’s career are his selection to the 2019 All-American Bowl as a high school senior, his three All-Big Ten selections at Ohio State, and his third-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. As a rookie, his 3 sacks and 33 tackles confirmed his readiness for the NFL, and his 2025 production before injury showed continued progress as a starter.
Zach Harrison Family
Family Background and Football Roots
Zachary Harrison was raised in Lewis Center, Ohio, and developed his football foundation at Olentangy Orange High School. His path through high school, the All-American Bowl, and Ohio State reflects the strong football environment that shaped his early development as a defensive end.
Personal Life
Harrison focuses publicly on his football career with the Atlanta Falcons. Detailed information about his family and personal relationships has not been widely shared in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
Harrison entered the 2025 season as one of Atlanta’s starting defensive linemen, building on his rookie experience with the Falcons. He produced a strong start to the year, recording 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one pass deflection, and 22 combined tackles across his appearances, establishing himself as a reliable contributor on the edge.
His performance through the early portion of the 2025 campaign showed growth in his pass-rushing consistency and his ability to create turnovers. The forced fumbles highlighted his disruptive impact at the line of scrimmage and underscored his value to Atlanta’s defensive scheme.
On November 22, 2025, Harrison was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury, ending his regular-season participation. His placement on injured reserve marked a setback in what had been a promising season, though his prior production positioned him as a key piece of Atlanta’s defensive future once he returns to full health.