Arvell Reese: Ohio State's Rising Star at the NFL Combine
Arvell Reese, the standout linebacker from Ohio State, is making waves at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. With projections placing him as high as the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Reese is catching the attention of teams like the New York Jets, who are eager to bolster their defense.
From Backup to Breakout Star
Reese's journey is a testament to perseverance and talent. A product of Cleveland's Glenville High School, he spent two years as a backup before emerging as a starter for the Buckeyes in 2025. His breakout season earned him unanimous All-American honors and the Big Ten's Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award, not to mention a finalist spot for the Butkus Award.
In his three-year career at Ohio State, Reese played 36 games, starting 14. He was a defensive powerhouse, ranking second on the team with 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks, and third in tackles for loss with 10. Despite having another year of eligibility, Reese declared for the draft, confident in his prospects.
Combine Insights and Draft Projections
Ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect and the top linebacker by CBSSports.com, Reese is a hot commodity. Analysts like Mike Renner, Ryan Wilson, and Field Yates predict he'll go No. 2 overall to the Jets. Reese is among 11 Ohio State players at the combine, including notable names like CJ Donaldson and Carnell Tate.
Mock drafts suggest Ohio State could see four to five first-round picks, with Reese, Styles, Downs, and Tate leading the charge.
Reese's Take on His Skills and Development
In his media session, Reese shared insights into his playing style and growth:
- Comfort with Versatility: Reese is confident in his ability to drop back and defend the run, highlighting his comfort on the edge and his knack for setting a solid edge against counters and pullers.
- Pass Rushing Potential: While he acknowledges his current strengths in speed and power, Reese believes there's untapped potential in his pass-rushing skills.
- Influence of Matt Patricia: Reese credits former Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia with significantly enhancing his understanding of the game, noting Patricia's NFL experience as a major advantage.
- Prepared for the NFL: Reese feels Ohio State's competitive environment prepared him well for the NFL, emphasizing the importance of constant improvement and resilience.
- Mindset and Mentorship: With a focus on playing violently and fast, Reese also valued the mentorship of LBs coach James Laurinaitis, who provided relatable guidance throughout his college career.
- Areas for Improvement: Always looking to grow, Reese sees room for improvement in pass rushing, coverage, and maintaining pad levels.
- Draft Confidence: Reese exudes confidence, focusing solely on his own development and impact in the draft landscape.
- Combine Workouts: Eager to showcase his skills, Reese is participating in all workouts, aiming to impress with his speed.
- Role Models: Inspired by players like Jamie Collins, Reese appreciates the role models who have shaped his game.
Ohio State's Legacy of Talent
Ohio State's reputation for producing elite athletes is well-represented at this year's combine. With Reese leading a talented group, the Buckeyes continue to demonstrate their prowess in developing top-tier football talent.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Arvell Reese, a player poised to make a significant impact in the NFL.