The Ohio State defense this season has been completely unstoppable. There has yet to be an offense that has been able to crack the code of getting past defensive coordinator Matt Patricia's unit.
Even with so many players being drafted last season from the defensive side of the ball, this Ohio State defense almost seems even better under Patricia than it was under Jim Knowles. They say defense wins championships, and with a defense like that, Ohio State has, they have a serious chance to repeat this season.
There have been a lot of stars on the defense, but none have shined brighter than linebacker Arvell Reese, who has really taken a step forward this season in his starting role. Reese has even been garnering draft hype, and now one particular media outlet has him going in a shocking spot in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Arvell Reese is being predicted to go first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by PFF
Arvell Reese has played himself into 1st overall conversations👀 pic.twitter.com/zvuHC5H8EW
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 14, 2025
PFF College has been talking a lot about the upcoming NFL Draft in 2026, especially with the college football regular season winding down. One player in particular who has been talked about a lot is Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese.
Reese has been a phenomenal player for the Buckeyes this season with 55 total tackles, 29 solo tackles, two passes defended, and 6.5 sacks. Reese's ability to get off the line and get under blockers to get to the quarterback is unlike anyone else this season, and it is exactly what is talked about int he video above.
PFF currently has Reese ranked No. 3 on the Big Draft Board with a rating of 74.6, which seems low, but once he is one the field, he is constantly a problem for offenses to deal with. Reese has already been projected in the 2026 NFL Draft to go in the top five picks in the first round, but with his talent, there seems to be some thoughts that he could go No. 1 overall.