Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese is rapidly emerging as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. His impressive performance this season has drawn comparisons to Edgerrin Cooper, the Green Bay Packers linebacker who had a standout rookie year in 2024.
Reese, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, has made a significant impact on the field. Originating from Cleveland, Ohio, he attended Glenville High School, where he helped secure a state championship. His college football journey began at Ohio State, where he earned a four-star recruiting rating and played in six games during his true freshman year. Unfortunately, he faced challenges in 2023 due to a concussion, limiting his participation.
By 2024, Reese became a key rotational player, participating in all 16 games and accumulating 322 snaps on defense, along with 190 snaps on special teams. His performance that season was promising, achieving a 76.4 overall defensive grade, with notable scores of 76.4 in run defense and 80.4 in pass rush. This year, Reese has taken on the role of full-time starter alongside teammate Sonny Styles, forming one of the most athletic linebacker duos in college football.
While Reese’s grades have slightly dipped—he currently holds a 71.3 overall defensive grade, 73.9 in run defense, and 75.2 in pass rush—his consistent performance suggests that these numbers could improve as the season progresses. He currently ranks in the top 20 on the Pro Football Focus (PFF) big board, underscoring his rising status among draft prospects.
Reese’s versatility stands out, as he has demonstrated the ability to play both off-ball and on-ball linebacker positions effectively. This season, he has taken on various roles, including 144 snaps as a defensive lineman (primarily at the edge), 157 snaps as an off-ball linebacker, alongside duties as a slot defender and even an outside cornerback. His grades reflect his adaptability, with an 80.6 overall defensive grade as an off-ball linebacker compared to a 59.6 grade when aligned on the defensive line.
As he prepares for the NFL, Reese faces decisions on his specialization. If he opts to focus on pass rushing from an edge position, he may need to gain weight and expand his repertoire of pass-rush moves. Alternatively, he could continue developing as an off-ball linebacker, where he has demonstrated a strong ability to blitz effectively, achieving a 20.3% pass-rush win rate as a linebacker, compared to 17.1% as a defensive lineman.
Reese’s coverage skills are still a work in progress, currently reflecting a 58.0 coverage grade. Most of his coverage responsibilities involve defending running backs in the flat and shallow crossing routes. His partner, Styles, typically handles deeper coverage, allowing Reese to remain aggressive in his approach.
Reese’s trajectory has transformed him from a lesser-known prospect into a standout player for one of the nation’s top college football teams. With his combination of size, speed, and athleticism, he is poised to continue attracting attention as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. As his production and visibility increase, expectations are growing for him to be a significant player in the upcoming draft.
