As the 2025 college football season heats up, few players have captured the attention of NFL scouts quite like Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese. What started as quiet intrigue has exploded into full-blown hype, with draft analysts projecting him as a potential first-round steal and even the first Buckeye off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft. If you’re a fan of versatile, athletic defenders who can dominate in multiple facets of the game, Reese is your guy—and his stock is soaring faster than a Ryan Day play-action bootleg.
From Under-the-Radar to Must-Watch Prospect
Arvell Reese entered the 2025 season as a talented but somewhat overlooked piece of Ohio State’s loaded defense. A former national champion with the Buckeyes (thanks to that 2024 title run), the 6-foot-4, 238-pound linebacker from Ohio brings a rare blend of size, speed, and instincts to the table. His scouting profile highlights elite run defense (82nd percentile) and solid coverage skills (75th percentile), making him a nightmare for offenses trying to scheme around him.
But it’s his on-field versatility that’s turning heads. Reese isn’t just a stack-and-shed run-stopper; he’s a chameleon in the front seven—blitzing quarterbacks, dropping into coverage, spying mobile QBs, and mirroring ball carriers with equal aplomb. As one analyst put it, he’s been “impactful in every drive of every game” this season, making him a scout’s dream to break down on film.
Week-by-Week Domination Fuels the Fire
Reese’s ascent isn’t hype without substance—it’s backed by tape that’s lighting up draft rooms. In the early games of 2025, he’s been a force, routinely shedding blocks from massive offensive linemen (like that 6’5″, 300-pound Rutgers tackle he tossed like a rag doll) and finishing plays with authority. His Week 5 performance was particularly electric, earning him spots on multiple “riser” lists as one of the top standouts in the country.
Social media is buzzing too. Draft Twitter is ablaze with clips of his athleticism, with fans and analysts alike calling him a “freak” who could crack the top 15 picks. One mock drafter even slotted him high in an early September edition, emphasizing his football IQ and pass-rush upside. And for Cowboys fans? Reese’s length and coverage prowess make him a perfect fit for Dallas’ scheme.
Even in broader big board updates, Reese is climbing alongside elite talents like Maryland’s Caleb Downs, with some pegging him as a top-10 overall prospect. It’s not hyperbole—his consistent disruption has him featured in “Seven Up” riser columns for the second straight week.
Why Reese is Draft Gold: Skills That Translate
So, what makes Reese such a coveted commodity? Start with the intangibles: At his size, he moves like a safety in space, reads plays like a vet, and finishes with violence. NFL Draft Buzz projects him as a third-rounder right now (No. 90 overall, No. 9 LB), but that’s conservative—insiders like Dane Brugler see him as the first Ohio State player drafted thanks to his length, athleticism, and scheme versatility.
Comparisons are still evolving, but early whispers point to a more explosive version of a Micah Parsons-lite—versatile enough to thrive in any front. In a draft class thin on elite linebackers, Reese’s upside screams “steal.” As one scout noted, off-ball LBs don’t often go high, but Reese’s “do-it-all” toolkit could buck that trend.
Projections: Top-Half First Round and Beyond?
The projections are tantalizing. Brugler and others envision Reese as Ohio State’s top pick, potentially in the top half of Round 1. WalterFootball echoes the early-round buzz, mocking him as a Day 2 gem with Day 1 traits. On X, the sentiment is even bolder: “Top 10 player in this class,” says one analyst, while another warns he’ll “mess around & be a Top 10.”
Of course, the season’s young—Ohio State faces a gauntlet ahead. But if Reese keeps stacking pancakes (figuratively and literally), expect his name to echo louder in April 2026.
Final Thoughts: Buckeye Fans, Get Used to Hearing His Name
Arvell Reese isn’t just moving up draft boards; he’s redefining what a modern linebacker can be. From overlooked gem to potential franchise pillar, his journey is a reminder that the best prospects often emerge from the chaos of a stacked roster like Ohio State’s. Keep an eye on him this weekend—because the NFL already is.
