Summary

Arvell Reese (20 years old) is a standout linebacker who has played all of his college football at Ohio State University and has not transferred during his career. In 2025 season, Reese started 14 games, recorded 69 total tackles with 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, earning him Big Ten Linebacker of the Year honors, first-team All-Big Ten selection, and consensus All-America recognition. Academically, Reese has been recognized as an OSU Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-Big Ten honoree for his classroom work in human development and family science. Off the field, he is widely regarded by coaches and teammates as a high-character, disciplined leader with a strong work ethic, and there are no known significant off-field incidents in his collegiate career. Overall, Reese’s combination of elite production, accolades, academic dedication, and positive character has made him one of the most respected players in college football as he prepares for the next stage of his career.

Strengths

Height/Weight/Speed Freak: Flows quickly over the top and has the pursuit speed to chase plays down outside the numbers. Plays with visible urgency and effort, consistently rallying to the ball.
Punisher: Brings force on contact and looks to finish tackles with authority. Accelerates rapidly when triggering downhill, shrinking space on ball carriers in a hurry.
Key & Diagnose: Reads run keys efficiently and takes direct angles to the football. Uses quick hands and leverage to shed climbing linemen and keep himself clean.
Chess Piece: Has the athletic profile to align as an off-ball linebacker, walk out over the slot in sub packages, or line up as an edge rusher in pass situations. Shows comfort carrying backs and tight ends on shallow routes and flats.

Weaknesses

Youth Movement: Only 20 years old and limited extended starting reps show up at times in situational awareness and tempo control.
Coverage & Eye Discipline: Still developing route anticipation and spacing awareness in zone drops. Will lock onto the backfield and lose sight of crossing routes behind him.
Overdrive: Aggressive downhill trigger occasionally causes him to run past the play. Can be a tick late diagnosing misdirection and play-action concepts.
Blitz Bag: Has the athleticism to pressure, but needs better feel for disguises and rush angles. Lack of pass rush production in his 2025 season is something to consider if moving him to a full-time rush role in the NFL.

Outlook

Reese is a modern, physical linebacker/edge hybrid with rare size, explosive athleticism, and the versatility to impact the game as a run defender, edge blitzer, and three-down centerpiece in the second level of a defense. He projects best in multiple front schemes that value hybrid linebackers, such as 4-3 defenses with attacking linebackers or 3-4 fronts that allow him to roam, blitz, set the edge, and drop into zones rather than strictly man coverage. Reese carries blue chip appeal and is widely viewed as a potential top-five selection depending on team needs and draft order. Any club with a creative defensive play caller utilizing defensive schemes that reward hybrid playmakers who can attack from multiple alignments and create mismatches will flourish with a chess piece like Reese.

Pro Comparison: Abdul Carter

Team Fits: NYJ, ARI, WAS, NO, CIN

Report written by Filip Prus