Ohio State - LB, Arvell Reese — 6'4" 243 lbs
Sportsvival breaks down the top prospects destined for the 2026 NFL Draft class, spotlighting breakout stars poised to make an immediate impact. Today’s profile focuses on Arvell Reese, a multi‑role linebacker who blends speed, range, and emerging pass‑rush violence with instincts that translate to multiple pro roles.
Background and recruit profile
High school: Glenville High School, Cleveland, Ohio.
Recruit rating: Highly touted prospect with a rapid rise through recruiting and scouting circles entering Ohio State.
Recruiting notes: Two‑sport athleticism, early versatility as a tackler and blitzer, praised for length, speed, and playmaking instincts.
Physical profile and measurables
Height and weight: 6 ft 4 in; listed at 243 lbs.
Frame and length: Long stride and prototype linebacker frame that projects well in space and in pursuit angles.
Athletic traits: Rare burst for his size with downhill closing speed, sideline‑to‑sideline range, and the agility to operate in coverage and as a dedicated edge rusher on sub‑packages.
Functional traits: Natural tackling form, sudden dip and bend in the open field, and an improving ability to disengage blocks and deliver finishing hits.
2025 stats
2025 season totals: 42 total tackles, 23 solo tackles, and 5.5 sacks through the 2025 season to date.
Role context: Leading contributor across multiple fronts for Ohio State’s defense, lining up as an off‑ball linebacker, edge blitzer, and B‑gap disruptor on many downs.
Strengths
Speed and range: Tracks ball carriers sideline to sideline and consistently closes on targets in space.
Pass‑rush upside: Effective bend and burst on the edge with a growing sack production and counters that threaten tackles at the point of attack.
Tackling and motor: Consistent wrap and drive through contact with plays retained to the whistle and strong pursuit angles.
Versatility: Comfortable in coverage on tight ends and backs, credible as both a three‑down defender and an early‑down run‑stuffer in heavier looks.
Weaknesses
Block recognition vs. complex schemes: Needs quicker processing on delayed combos and reach blocks to avoid being sealed or washed by offensive lines.
Hand usage in traffic: Can improve hand placement and punch to disengage linemen more efficiently on sustained blocks.
Consistency in play‑fitting: Occasional overpursuit or misalignment in zone drops that create vacated lanes; requires steadier discipline at the second level.
Length leverage vs. NFL tackles: Will need technique adjustments to consistently win against pro‑caliber OL who fight hands and widen the edge.
Player profile and projection
Arvell Reese projects as a high‑end Day 1 linebacker with three‑down upside. He currently impacts games through range, pass‑rush snaps, and physical tackling, and his draft ceiling is as a multi‑role off‑ball linebacker who can shadow coverage responsibilities while generating pressure on obvious passing downs. With refined block‑shedding technique, cleaner hand work, and tightened play recognition, Reese projects to a plus‑coverage, plus‑rush NFL starter for teams valuing speed, athleticism, and schematic flexibility.
Pro comparison
Edge comparison: Edgerrin Cooper — similar in how speed and suddenness create mismatches as a blitzer and coverage‑capable inside presence.
Sportsvival views Arvell Reese as one of the ascending defensive prospects in the 2026 draft. His floor is a high‑impact rotational linebacker who pressures the passer and makes plays sideline to sideline; his ceiling is a top‑tier, three‑down NFL starter for defenses that can capitalize on his unique blend of speed and pass‑rush traits.
(photo courtesy of PFF)