2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Ohio State Linebacker Arvell Reese

Arvell Reese arrived at Ohio State as one of the most athletic front-seven defenders in the 2023 recruiting class. A former four-star prospect from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Reese built his reputation on explosiveness, positional versatility, and a natural feel for attacking the football. At Glenville, he played multiple roles—stand-up linebacker, edge rusher, and even occasional snaps as an off-ball defender—while racking up tackles for loss and earning All-Ohio honors. His blend of size and movement skills made him a coveted in-state recruit, and he chose the Buckeyes over offers from Alabama, USC, and Michigan.

Reese saw rotational action as a true freshman in 2023, flashing on special teams and limited defensive snaps. Even in brief usage, his explosive first step and aggressive mentality drew attention from the coaching staff. By 2024, he began carving out a larger role in Ohio State’s linebacker rotation. Whether aligned on the edge or operating as a box defender, Reese showcased the versatility that made him a blue-chip prospect—strong run support, sideline-to-sideline range, and comfort playing in space.

As Reese continues to develop consistency and technical refinement, NFL scouts are increasingly intrigued by the raw ingredients: length, burst, and natural violence. If he takes another step in 2025, he could position himself among the top linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Strengths

Explosiveness

Reese fires downhill with excellent acceleration. His first-step quickness allows him to slip blocks and attack gaps before offensive linemen can square him up.

Length

At 6-foot-3 with long arms, Reese disrupts throwing lanes, widens tackle radius, and creates leverage advantages when taking on blockers.

Versatility

Ohio State has used him at multiple linebacker spots and even as a situational edge rusher. His adaptability will appeal to NFL defenses that value hybrid roles.

Range

Reese moves well laterally and closes space quickly. His ability to scrape over the top and chase from behind provides valuable support against perimeter runs.

Play Violence

Reese thrives when playing aggressively, striking ball carriers, setting edges, and competing physically at the point of attack.

Weaknesses

Processing Speed

While his athleticism is elite, Reese is still developing the instincts and play diagnosis required of starting NFL linebackers. He can be a step late in reading misdirection and option concepts.

Block Deconstruction

Although he plays with energy, he must improve his technique when engaging and shedding bigger, stronger linemen. Added strength and hand usage refinement will be critical.

Coverage Technique

Reese’s athleticism gives him a high ceiling in zone coverage, but his awareness and route anticipation need continued development. Man coverage against tight ends remains a work in progress.

Pad Level

At times, Reese plays too tall, allowing blockers to gain leverage and wash him out of run fits.

Conclusion

Arvell Reese is the type of ascending prospect NFL teams love to project. His athletic profile, length, and versatility give him starter-level upside, especially in modern defenses that prioritize hybrid linebackers capable of rushing, covering, and pursuing. While Reese requires continued refinement in processing and play strength, his traits suggest he could develop into a dynamic, three-down defender.

Draft Nation projects Reese as a potential Day 2 selection with the upside to become a high-end starter if his instincts and technique continue to mature.