READER'S CHOICE | 2026 MNJ Preseason Football Defensive Player of the Year

Richland County high school football is absolutely loaded with talent in 2026.

But who do YOU believe is the best player in the county? This is your chance to shine. Cast your vote for the Mansfield News Journal Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and check back at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21 to see who is the people's choice.

Here are this year's nominees along with their postseason honors from 2025.

Gavin Baker, Shelby

Division IV Honorable Mention All-Northwest District.

Nash Evans, Clear Fork

Division IV Second Team All-Ohio, Division IV First Team All-Northwest District, First Team All-Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference.

Gavin Miller, Ontario

Division III Third Team All-Ohio, Division III First Team All-Northwest District, Second Team All-Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference.

Alex Schlosser, Clear Fork

Division IV Honorable Mention All-Ohio, Division IV First Team All-Northwest District, First Team All-Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference.

Cooper Day, Lucas

Division VII Honorable Mention All-Ohio, Division VII Second Team All-Northwest District.

Carson Moritz, Ontario

Division III Second Team All-Northwest District, Second Team All-Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference.

Zane Curry, Ontario

Division III Second Team All-Northwest District,

Aiden Proctor, Madison

Division III Second Team All-Northwest District, Second Team All-Ohio Cardinal Conference.

Davis Hoeflich, Clear Fork

Division IV Second Team All-Northwest District, Second Team All-Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference.

Wyatt Barber, Crestview

Division VI Second Team All-Northwest District, Honorable Mention All-Firelands Conference.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: READER'S CHOICE | 2026 MNJ Preseason Football Defensive Player of the Year