Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-57981) pertaining to the Worthington Industries, Inc. Deferred Profit Sharing Plan of our report dated May 17, 2002, with respect to the financial statements and schedule of the Worthington Industries, Inc. Deferred Profit Sharing Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 2001. /s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP Columbus, Ohio June 24, 2002