Arvell Reese

NFL Draft Profile: Arvell Reese

Position: LB / EDGE | School: Ohio State | Class: Junior

Height: 6'4" | Weight: 243 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid (Off-Ball LB / Blitz Specialist)

College Career Summary

Arvell Reese represents the modern evolution of the "positionless" defender. After playing primarily special teams as a freshman in 2023, Reese exploded onto the national scene in 2024 as a situational disruptor. However, his 2025 junior campaign under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia was historic. Reese transformed from a rotational piece into a Consensus All-American and the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year. While he splits time between off-ball linebacker and standing up as a pass rusher, his statistical production—highlighted by 10.0 TFLs and 6.5 sacks—only tells half the story. His "gravity" on the field forced opposing coordinators to double-team a linebacker, a rarity in the modern game. He enters the draft as a top-flight prospect with "Micah Parsons-esque" versatility.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 40

• Total Tackles: 105 (62 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 13.5 (10.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 10.0 (6.5 in 2025)

• QB Hurries: 6 (4 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups: 2 (Both in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Texas	9 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A+	Elite Debut. Controlled the game in his first career start.
vs. Grambling St.	2 Tkl	B	Limited snaps in blowout; remained disciplined.
vs. Ohio	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Showed elite Acceleration on a blindside sack.
@ Washington	5 Tkl	B+	Range was on full display; erased several screen plays.
vs. Minnesota	7 Tkl	A	Run Stopper. Met pulling guards in the hole with violence.
@ Illinois	8 Tkl, 2.0 Sk	A+	Unblockable as a blitzer; high Star impact.
@ Wisconsin	4 Tkl, 1.5 Sk	A	Dominated the edge; showcased pro-level Technique.
vs. Penn State	6 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Big-game player; tracked down mobile QB effectively.
vs. UCLA	4 Tkl	B	Solid in coverage; mirrored TEs with safety-like agility.
vs. Rutgers	5 Tkl	B+	Consistent pressure; forced three early throwaways.
vs. Indiana	8 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	A-	High Motor; played 60+ snaps with zero drop-off.
@ Michigan	0 Stats	C+	Worst Game. Double-teamed and chipped all game.
BTCC vs. Indiana	1 Tkl	B-	Low stats but high impact; drew attention away from teammates.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Athletic Profile: At 6'4" and 243 lbs, Reese is expected to run a 4.4-4.5 forty. His Speed and Pursuit allow him to track down ball carriers from the opposite hash.

• Pass Rush Versatility: He is a nightmare Blitz Specialist. He possesses an explosive speed-to-power transition that overwhelms even seasoned NFL-caliber tackles.

• Physicality/Tackling: He is a "seek-and-destroy" player who plays with immense violence. He strikes through ball carriers, rarely allowing yards after contact.

• Instincts/IQ: Despite his high speed, he rarely bites on misdirection. His Play Recognition has improved drastically, allowing him to navigate "the trash" of the interior.

Weaknesses

• Block Engagement: He occasionally buries his head into blockers, making it difficult to disengage quickly if the ball carrier cuts back.

• Coverage Consistency: While athletic enough to cover, he still lacks the refined footwork of a pure coverage linebacker and can be caught out of position in zone.

• Tweener Size: While he is perfect for a hybrid role, he is slightly undersized for a full-time 4-3 Defensive End role, which may limit him to specific schemes.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 3-4 Outside Linebacker or 4-3 WILL with situational EDGE flexibility.

NFL Comparison: Micah Parsons / LaVar Arrington

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 20/20 | Attributes: 19/20 | Athleticism: 20/20 | IQ: 17/20 Final Grade: 94/100

Arvell Reese is the highest-ceiling defensive prospect in the 2026 class. He is a defensive coordinator's dream—a player who can start at MIKE linebacker on 1st down and lead the team in sacks from the EDGE on 3rd down. His combination of Stamina, Speed, and Violence is reminiscent of generational talents. While he still has minor technical hurdles in block shedding, his raw tools are so elite that he will likely be a Day 1 game-changer.

Draft Projection: 1st Round (Top 5 Overall)