Ohio State LB Arvell Reese announces he's declared for the 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 arguably one of the top prospects in the class of 2026. Some mock drafts have Reese being selected in the top five of the draft. He’s viewed as the No. 1 overall player regardless of position by many.

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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 6’4”, 243 pounds, Reese went from a rotational linebacker his sophomore year to the man 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.

This story will be updated.