Ike Ackerman is a defensive end from Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended Omaha Central High School. A three-sport athlete, he was a multi-year captain in football and basketball and won the state championship in shotput in 2023. In his final high school season in 2024, Ackerman recorded 70 tackles, 11 sacks, and led Nebraska in sacking the quarterback. He appeared in four games for Ohio in 2025, posting five total tackles, two for a loss, and one sack, including a performance in the Frisco Bowl against UNLV.