Ohio State LB Arvell Reese declares for 2026 NFL Draft
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese announced on Thursday that he is forgoing his senior year with the Buckeyes and entering the 2026 NFL Draft. Following a breakout 2025 campaign at Ohio State, Reese is one of the top prospects in the class of 2026.
Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice and Charles McDonald have Reese being selected third by the Arizona Cardinals in his latest mock draft.
Ohio St. LB Arvell Reese announced he has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/BA0cUYMKTG
- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2026
The All-American linebacker burst onto the scene in 2025, becoming one of the biggest disruptors in college football. Reese recorded 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 14 games during his junior season. He was also named first-team All-Big Ten and won the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award.
Standing at 6-foot-4, 243 pounds, Reese went from a rotational linebacker his sophomore year to an impact player on the Buckeyes' defense his junior campaign. Reese became the ultimate hybrid defensive weapon, splitting time between playing in coverage and rushing the passer off the edge. His high level of versatility is what makes Reese such a coveted prospect in the 2026 draft.
While the season may not have ended how Ohio State expected after being bounced in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff by Miami, Reese built his individual resume and has set himself up to become a high draft pick in April. All that's left for Reese on his road to the NFL Draft is to perform well at the scouting combine next month in Indianapolis.
This year's NFL scouting combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, running from, Feb. 23 through Mar. 2.