The Ohio State football program had one of the best defenses in the country this past season. A lot of that had to do with Matt Patricia and his system. He helped the Buckeyes play faster without having to think as much as they did under Jim Knowles' complicated system.
Another big reason is that they just had good players. Caleb Downs was chief among those, winning the Jim Thorpe Award. Arvell Reese was a stud linebacker who started for the first time in his career. He instantly became one of the best players that the Ohio State Buckeyes had on the field.
Because of his instinctual play, speed, and get-off, he was projected as one of the top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Reese has decided that it is the prudent move for him. Reese has decided to forgo the rest of his eligibility, and he has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese declares for the NFL Draft
Reese was very good early on in the season, but his production dropped off about midway through the year. He was no longer the demonic pass rusher who was terrorizing quarterbacks every game. Part of that could have been scheme, as he was used to spy quarterbacks more often.
Still, Reese possesses traits that NFL scouts and GMs drool over. He's got the size and speed to track down anyone on the field. He is projected to be a top-15 pick, so his leaving is no surprise. It would have been more surprising if Reese had decided to come back to Ohio State next season.
With Reese gone, the Buckeyes are thin at linebacker. They were able to add Christian Alliegro from the Transfer Portal, so that should help. Still, young linebackers might be asked to step up in a big way next season. Sonny Styles is leaving for the draft, as well.