Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE
School: Ohio State | Conference: Big Ten
College Experience: Junior | Age: 20 (DOB: 08/30/2005)
Height / Weight: 6’4” / 241 lbs / 32 1/2 arm / 40: 4.46
Projected Draft Status: 1st Round (Top 10)
College Statistics
| Tackles | Def Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Comb | TFL | Sk | Int | Yds | IntTD | PD | FR | Yds | FRTD | FF | Awards |
| 2023* | Ohio State | Big Ten | FR | LB | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024* | Ohio State | Big Ten | SO | LB | 16 | 18 | 25 | 43 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2025 | Ohio State | Big Ten | JR | LB | 14 | 34 | 35 | 69 | 10.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | AA |
| Career | 36 | 52 | 60 | 112 | 13.5 | 7.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
Player Overview
Arvell Reese entered Ohio State as one of the most physically gifted second-level defenders in the country and has steadily developed into one of the most versatile defensive chess pieces in the 2026 draft class. An athlete that entered campus with elite range and length, Reese has evolved
from an off-ball linebacker into a true hybrid defender capable of aligning on the edge, stacking in space, and rushing the passer in high-leverage situations.
As a freshman, Reese showcased rare movement skills at his size, but it was his sophomore and junior seasons (under DC Matt Patricia) where his role expanded dramatically. Ohio State deployed him in multiple fronts, allowing him to attack protections as a stand-up rusher while still utilizing his instincts and range in coverage. By 2025, Reese became a centerpiece of the Buckeyes’ defensive structure, producing across the stat sheet while impacting games in ways that don’t always show up in the box score.
What separates Reese, a Cleveland, Ohio native, from the other premier defenders in the class is his blend of length, explosiveness, and spatial awareness. He covers ground effortlessly, closes quickly on ball carriers, and has the frame to continue adding mass without sacrificing athleticism — that’s key in projecting his profile long-term. His pass-rush profile is still developing compared to pure edge defenders, but his ability to threaten with speed, convert to power, and attack gaps from depth creates constant disruption.
Beyond the physical tools, Reese has earned praise within the program for his football intelligence and adaptability, per sources. His understanding of offensive concepts, combined with his ability to execute multiple roles, makes him one of the more valuable and scheme-diverse defenders in the 2026 class. “He’s a football junkie,” a defensive staff member said. “A guy you plug-and-play all over your defense for the next decade…”
Strengths
Versatility:
True hybrid defender with experience as an off-ball ‘backer and stand-up edge. Can be moved around the formation to exploit matchups.
Closing Speed & Range:
Flashes sideline-to-sideline ability — explodes downhill and arrives with force, limiting yards after contact.
Pass-Rush Upside:
Effective as a blitzer and developing rusher off the edge. Wins with first-step quickness and can stress tackles with speed-to-power conversion. Will need to diversify pass rush plan if he moves down to the line full time, however.
Coverage Ability:
Comfortable dropping into zones and matching up with tight ends or backs. Displays awareness and ball skills in space.
Motor & Pursuit:
High-effort player who consistently tracks plays from the backside and finishes through contact.
Weaknesses
Play Strength at Point of Attack:
Can improve anchor and block deconstruction when taking on offensive linemen in tight quarters. Added mass will help.
Positional Identity:
Hybrid role may require schematic clarity at the next level to maximize his impact early in his career.
Let’s See His Work
How He Fits on the Commanders
Within Washington’s structure, Reese projects as the ‘WILL’ (weakside) linebacker on early downs with the ability to walk up as an edge presence in sub-packages. His range would enhance the unit’s pursuit speed, while his blitzing ability adds another layer to pressure designs without requiring heavy personnel changes.
Pairing Reese with Washington’s new look, young, aggressive front would create a more versatile and unpredictable defensive unit, allowing them to pressure quarterbacks from multiple angles while maintaining coverage integrity on the back end.
Key Tactical Advantages
Range & Speed:
Improves overall team speed and pursuit, particularly against perimeter runs and QBs who look to create off-script.
Third-Down Value:
Can be deployed as a blitzer or edge rusher in passing situations, adding another layer to the pass rush.
Scheme Versatility:
Fits a wide range of defensive systems due to his ability to play multiple roles at a high level.
High Ceiling, Ascending Player:
With continued development as a pass rusher and added strength, Reese has one of the highest ceilings among any defender in the 2026 class.
