2026 Public Schools Top 100 Preview: No. 58 Glenville
The defending Ohio Division IV champion brings back a proven pass rusher and a talented 2028 class for another demanding schedule.
Top 25 Public HSFB8/14/20265 min read
Glenville enters the 2026 season as the reigning OHSAA Division IV champion after finishing 12-3 and winning its third state title in four years. The Tarblooders reached the state championship game for the fourth consecutive season, then closed the run with a 45-7 win over Shelby. Glenville held Shelby to 27 total yards, recorded 10 tackles for loss and produced five sacks. That performance completed a five-game postseason in which the Tarblooders allowed 38 points, an average of 7.6 per game.
Team Snapshot
2025 record: 12-3
2025 conference record: 5-0
2025 result: OHSAA Division IV state champion
Head coach: Ted Ginn Sr.
2025 scoring: 422 points scored, 152 allowed
Returning starters: Five on offense, three on defense
2026 Outlook
Glenville must replace quarterback Arvell Nelson and several of the senior leaders who carried the 2025 offense. Nelson threw two touchdown passes in the state final, but the Tarblooders did most of their damage on the ground with 294 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Rebuilding the backfield and identifying a new starting quarterback will determine how quickly the offense settles in.
The passing game has younger options to build around. Junior wide receiver Emiere Lemons caught a touchdown pass in the state championship game, while junior Elijah Harden gives Glenville another long target at tight end and wide receiver. Juniors Jaylen Edwards and Jaquan Gibson also have the athletic ability to contribute in multiple phases.
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Defensively, Glenville returns fewer starters but still has a proven difference-maker at the front of the unit. Senior edge defender Kaylon Bailey recorded five tackles, three sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss and four quarterback hurries in the state final. Edwards earned honorable mention all-state recognition in 2025, and Gibson gives the secondary another Division I recruit with experience in high-pressure games.
The standard is already established. Glenville has reached four straight state championship games, and its 2025 defense allowed only 10.1 points per game across the full season. The 2026 group has enough high-end talent to remain one of Ohio’s best public-school teams, but the new quarterback and a defense replacing most of its starters will be tested immediately.
Players to Know
Kaylon Bailey | EDGE/LB | Senior Bailey is committed to Colorado and also earned offers from Ohio State, Louisville and several other FBS programs. His state-championship performance included three sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss.
Jaylen Edwards | DB/ATH | Junior Edwards holds an Ohio State offer and earned honorable mention all-state recognition as a sophomore. He can contribute in the secondary and the return game.
Emiere Lemons | WR | Junior Lemons holds offers from Kentucky, Wisconsin, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. He returns as one of Glenville’s most important receiving options after catching a touchdown in the 2025 state final.
Jaquan Gibson | S/ATH | Junior Gibson holds offers from Maryland, Indiana, Syracuse, Kent State and Miami (Ohio). He returned a punt 92 yards for the opening touchdown of the 2025 state championship game.
Elijah Harden | TE/WR | Junior Harden holds an offer from Syracuse. His size gives Glenville another option at tight end or wide receiver as the offense replaces several senior playmakers.
Schedule Breakdown
Glenville has no transition period. The Tarblooders open at Massillon Washington after beating the Tigers 33-27 in overtime last season, then travel to Olentangy Liberty before games against Clarkson Football North and Bishop Watterson.
The Senate Athletic League portion of the schedule includes James Ford Rhodes, John Hay, East Tech, John Adams and John Marshall. An October trip to Archbishop Hoban adds another major test before the final two conference games.
Five of the first eight games are against Massillon, Olentangy Liberty, Clarkson Football North, Bishop Watterson and Archbishop Hoban. That schedule will test the new quarterback, the rebuilt defense and Glenville’s depth well before the postseason.
Complete 2026 Schedule
Aug. 21 — at #43 Massillon Washington
Aug. 28 — at Olentangy Liberty
Sept. 4 — vs. Clarkson Football North (Ontario, Canada)
Sept. 11 — at Bishop Watterson
Sept. 18 — vs. James Ford Rhodes
Sept. 25 — at John Hay
Oct. 2 — vs. East Tech
Oct. 9 — at Archbishop Hoban
Oct. 16 — at John Adams
Oct. 23 — vs. John Marshall
Biggest Question
How quickly can Glenville replace its senior production at quarterback and across a defense that returns only three starters? Bailey gives the front seven a proven anchor, but the Tarblooders will need several new contributors ready for a demanding opening month.
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T25PS Prediction
I expect Glenville to finish the regular season 8-2 and reach at least the state semifinals. The opening schedule leaves little room for a slow start, but Bailey and the young Division I talent give the Tarblooders enough difference-makers to remain a state-title contender.
Bottom Line
Glenville is replacing more proven production than it did a year ago, especially at quarterback and on defense. The program still returns an elite edge defender, multiple younger FBS recruits and a championship standard that has produced four straight title-game appearances. If the new offense protects the football and the rebuilt defense develops behind Bailey, another deep playoff run is realistic.
