Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles have officially staked their claim as the premier linebacker prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, thanks to standout performances at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Both former Ohio State stars clocked an impressive 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash, tying for the fastest time among linebackers at this year's event. This speed, paired with their substantial size, sets them apart in a big way.
Styles stands tall at 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, while Reese isn't far behind at 6-foot-4 and 241 pounds. Their rare combination of size and speed is a scout's dream, as evidenced by their 40 times being among the fastest for linebackers over 240 pounds since 2000.
Styles didn't stop with just speed. He leapt to a 43.5-inch vertical and soared 11 feet, 2 inches in the broad jump, leading all linebackers in both categories at the combine.
His vertical jump ranks as the second-best ever for a linebacker at the combine, and his broad jump is the fourth-best, putting him in elite company. It’s performances like these that spark conversations about historic combine showings.
As if that wasn't enough, Styles achieved a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), ranking first out of 3,215 linebackers evaluated from 1987 to 2026. This score highlights his exceptional athletic prowess and cements his status as a top prospect.
Reese opted to save his broad and vertical jumps for Ohio State's pro day on March 25, but he still impressed during position drills. Both Reese and Styles showcased their skills in these drills, further solidifying their status as likely top-10 picks in the upcoming draft.
Should they go in the top 10, Reese and Styles will join an exclusive club of Ohio State linebackers, following in the footsteps of Tom Cousineau, A.J. Hawk, and Jim Houston. Their performances at the combine have set the stage for what could be a very special draft day for these two Buckeyes.