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 emerged as one of the top defensive linemen in the Big Ten Conference. Selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, he has continued to develop his game at the professional level. Known for his size, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability, Harrison remains an ascending talent on Atlanta’s defensive front.
Early Life and Background
Harrison was born and raised in Lewis Center, Ohio, a growing suburban community north of Columbus. He attended Olentangy Orange High School, where he quickly established himself as one of the most highly regarded high school defensive linemen in the country. His combination of length, quickness, and strength made him a dominant force on the prep circuit.
During his high school career, Harrison earned the distinction of being a five-star recruit, one of the top-rated defensive ends in his recruiting class. He was selected to play in the 2019 All-American Bowl, a showcase event that featured the nation’s premier high school football talent. These accomplishments drew attention from college programs across the country, but Harrison ultimately committed to Ohio State University to continue his football career.
Path to American Football
Harrison’s path to becoming a professional football player began with his commitment to Ohio State, one of the most storied programs in college football. He enrolled with the Buckeyes ahead of the 2019 season and immediately began working with the team’s defensive coaching staff. His physical tools and high school pedigree gave him an opportunity to contribute early in his college career.
His development at Ohio State was steady and productive. As a true freshman in 2019, Harrison appeared in all 14 games for the Buckeyes, earning one start and recording 24 tackles and 3.5 sacks. That early exposure to top-level college competition helped prepare him for larger roles in subsequent seasons, where he became a consistent presence along the defensive line.
Zach Harrison Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Harrison spent his entire college career at Ohio State University, competing for the Buckeyes from 2019 through the 2022 season. Throughout that span, he developed into one of the premier defensive linemen in the Big Ten Conference. He earned multiple All-Big Ten honors during his tenure, including Second-team All-Big Ten recognition in both 2020 and 2021, before being elevated to First-team All-Big Ten in 2022. These selections reflected his steady growth as both a run defender and pass rusher at the collegiate level.
By the end of his senior season, Harrison had positioned himself as a likely early-round NFL draft pick. His production, measurables, and experience in high-level games made him an attractive prospect for teams seeking help along the defensive line.
NFL Breakthrough (2023)
Harrison declared for the 2023 NFL draft following his final season at Ohio State. He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round as the 75th overall pick, a decision that brought him back closer to his home region of the Midwest. He signed his rookie contract and immediately joined Atlanta’s defensive line rotation.
As a rookie in 2023, Harrison appeared in 16 games and made a measurable impact on Atlanta’s defense. He finished his first NFL season with three sacks, 33 total tackles including 18 solo tackles, and one pass defended. Those numbers represented a strong foundation for a young defensive end adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2023–Present)
Harrison entered his second NFL season with increased expectations and a larger role in Atlanta’s defense. By the 2025 season, he had established himself as one of Atlanta’s starting defensive linemen, contributing regularly in both base and pass-rushing situations. Through his early-season production in 2025, he recorded one pass deflection, two forced fumbles, 4.5 sacks, and 22 combined tackles, showing growth in his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
On November 22, 2025, Harrison was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury, pausing his momentum late in the season. Despite the setback, his performance prior to the injury highlighted his continued development as an NFL defensive end and his importance to the Falcons’ defensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most notable milestones of Harrison’s career is his selection in the 2023 NFL draft, where he became one of the first defensive linemen chosen that year. His First-team All-Big Ten honor in 2022 stands as his highest collegiate recognition, while his participation in the 2019 All-American Bowl marked him as a top-tier prospect. His transition to a starting role with the Falcons in 2025 represented another significant career milestone, showcasing his emergence as a frontline defender in the NFL.
Zach Harrison Career Wins
As a defensive end, Zach Harrison’s career is measured less by traditional win totals and more by statistical production and team contributions. His verified accomplishments include his selection to multiple All-Big Ten teams during his college career at Ohio State and his steady statistical output through his first NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. As of 2024, his career NFL statistics include 59 total tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 pass deflection.
Zach Harrison Family
Personal Life
Zachary Harrison was raised in Lewis Center, Ohio, the same community where he attended Olentangy Orange High School and first developed his football skills. He is known by his full given name Zachary Harrison and has continued to maintain ties to the Midwest throughout his football journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represented a breakout stretch for Zach Harrison with the Atlanta Falcons. Entering the year as one of Atlanta’s starting defensive linemen, he delivered some of his most productive professional performances, recording 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, 22 combined tackles, and one pass deflection. His ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt running lanes made him a key piece of the Falcons’ defensive front.
His 2025 campaign, however, was cut short on November 22 when Harrison was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury. The placement ended his regular-season participation and sidelined him as the Falcons continued their season without one of their starting defensive ends. The injury marked the first significant setback of his professional career.
Looking beyond 2025, Harrison remains under contract with the Atlanta Falcons and is expected to return as a core member of the team’s defensive line rotation once healthy. His pre-injury production suggested continued growth as a pass rusher and run defender, and his recovery will be a key storyline for the Falcons’ defensive outlook heading into future seasons.