Arvell Reese Is Rising Fast-and Could Be the No. 1 Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Arvell Reese didn’t enter this college football season with much national buzz. But now? He’s not just on NFL radars-he’s lighting them up.
The Ohio State linebacker has emerged as one of the most explosive defensive prospects in the country, and with the Buckeyes sitting at 12-0 and ranked No. 1, Reese’s impact has been impossible to ignore.
He’s racked up 61 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 2 pass breakups, showing off a rare blend of physicality, burst, and versatility that has scouts thinking big-very big. We’re talking top-five-pick big.
Possibly even No. 1 overall.
Let’s break down why Reese has scouts and front offices across the league paying close attention-and which teams could be lining up to make him the face of their defense.
The Skillset: Why Reese Has NFL Teams Dreaming Big
At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese brings the kind of frame that NFL teams covet at linebacker-but what’s really setting him apart is how he uses it.
He’s not just a traditional off-ball linebacker. Reese is a hybrid weapon-part linebacker, part edge rusher, and all chaos for opposing offenses.
He’s got the speed to chase down plays from sideline to sideline, the power to shed blocks and blow up runs, and the flexibility to bend the edge and get after the quarterback. That’s a rare combination, and it’s why comparisons to players like Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter are starting to surface.
NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller recently ranked Reese as the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 class, praising his elite burst and noting that he’s been one of the biggest risers in the country. According to Miller, Reese wasn’t even on most draft boards before the season-but his production and upside have forced a re-evaluation.
And here’s the thing: he’s not even a full-time edge rusher. That 6.5 sack number?
It’s coming from a part-time role on the edge. That’s how disruptive he’s been.
No. 1 Overall Potential? It’s on the Table
Reese’s name is now firmly in the conversation for the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That kind of rise doesn’t happen by accident-it’s the result of a player who checks every box: production, athleticism, positional value, and upside.
But as always, fit matters. We’ve seen it time and again-talented players can struggle if they land in the wrong scheme or situation.
Abdul Carter, a top-five pick in the 2025 draft, is still finding his footing in the pros. Reese’s success at the next level will depend heavily on how a team deploys him.
He’s a premium athlete at a premium position, but maximizing his impact will mean putting him in a system that lets him move around and attack.
So which teams make sense? Let’s look at three franchises that could be in position to add Reese-and why he’d be a game-changer for each.
1. Tennessee Titans: A Defensive Identity in the Making
The Titans are currently holding the No. 1 overall pick, and they have options. They could trade down and stockpile picks-but if they stay put, Reese fits the mold of the kind of defensive tone-setter they desperately need.
Tennessee already has a strong interior presence with Jeffery Simmons, T’Vondre Sweat, and Sebastian Joseph-Day anchoring the middle. What they’re missing is a dynamic edge presence who can consistently pressure the quarterback.
Reese brings that and more. His ability to rush off the edge, drop into coverage, and make plays in space would give the Titans a new defensive identity.
He’s not just a scheme fit-he’s a culture fit. A high-motor, high-impact player who could be the cornerstone of a defensive rebuild.
Other potential first-round options for the Titans: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE), Caleb Downs (S), Jordyn Tyson (WR)
2. New Orleans Saints: The Heir to Cam Jordan
The Saints are staring down the end of an era on defense. Cameron Jordan, one of the most consistent pass rushers of the past decade, is nearing the twilight of his career. Reese could be the perfect successor.
New Orleans runs a 3-4 base scheme, which plays right into Reese’s strengths. He thrives in space, can rush from multiple angles, and has the athleticism to cover when needed. Plug him into that system, and he could be an immediate difference-maker in the NFC South.
With the Saints holding a top-five pick, they’ll have the chance to either move down or take a swing at a franchise-changing defender. If they go with Reese, they get a high-upside player who fits their scheme and fills a critical need.
Other potential first-round options for the Saints: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE), Fernando Mendoza (QB), Carnell Tate (WR)
3. New York Giants: Building a Defensive Monster
The Giants are in a fascinating spot. With the No. 2 overall pick, they could go in several directions-offensive line, quarterback, or trade down. But there’s a scenario that’s hard to ignore: pairing Arvell Reese with Abdul Carter.
That’s two freak athletes coming off the edge in back-to-back drafts. That’s a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks-and a dream for Giants fans who’ve been waiting for a dominant defense to return to MetLife.
New York could use help across the board, but if they decide to double down on defense, Reese gives them a potential All-Pro talent who can take over games. He and Carter would form one of the most physically gifted young pass-rushing duos in the league.
Other potential first-round options for the Giants: Offensive line help, quarterback, or trade-down scenarios.
Final Word: A Star in the Making
Arvell Reese has gone from under-the-radar to can’t-miss in a matter of months. He’s the kind of player who forces teams to rethink their draft boards-and the kind of athlete who can reshape a defense from Day 1.
Whether he goes No. 1 overall or not, one thing is clear: Reese is going to hear his name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft. And whichever team lands him won’t just be getting a linebacker-they’ll be getting a defensive weapon with the potential to change games, change locker rooms, and maybe even change the course of a franchise.