With the potential to become a top-five pick in 2026, Arvell Reese has declared for the NFL draft.
Following a breakout, consensus All-American season for the Buckeyes, Reese declared for the NFL draft on Thursday.
The 6-foot-4, 243-pound linebacker has the chance to become Ohio State’s fifth top-five pick under Ryan Day, joining Nick Bosa (2019), Chase Young (2020), Jeff Okudah (2020), C.J. Stroud (2023) and Marvin Harrison Jr. (2024).
A backup linebacker in his first two seasons in Columbus, Reese emerged as one of Ohio State’s two starters alongside future first-round pick Sonny Styles in 2025. He quickly became one of college football’s best defenders, leaning on his freakish athleticism and his experience at linebacker and defensive end to collect 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
A crucial chess piece in Matt Patricia’s defense, Reese won Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and earned All-American honors from the Associated Press, AFCA and Walter Camp Football Foundation after the regular season.
With his breakout season now complete, Reese hopes to continue his success at the next level. Franchises will undoubtedly battle for their chance to select a prospect often compared to former Penn State and current Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons, as his size and speed make him an intriguing option to be a force in the run game while offering tremendous upside as a pass rusher off the edge.
Reese is the third Buckeye with remaining eligibility to announce he’s entering the 2026 NFL draft, joining Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate. All three are projected first-round picks.
