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