<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>l89182aex23.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23
<TEXT>

<PAGE>   1


                                                                      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 11, 2001, 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, 2000.


                                                           /s/Ernst & Young, LLP


Columbus, Ohio
June 22, 2001

                                                                              14


</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>