Junior linebacker Arvell Reese is headed for the NFL Draft. Reese, the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year this season, declared for the NFL Draft on Thursday via an Instagram post.
“I want to say thank you to (Head coach Ryan) Day and (Director of football sports performance) Mickey Marotti for believing in me and for everything they poured into me,” Reese said in a statement posted to Instagram. “Thank you to the entire strength and conditioning staff who pushed me, challenged and prepared me for the next level. Thank you to every coach I met along the way who played a role in my development, and lastly, I want to thank (Linebackers coach James) Laurinaitis and (Defensive coordinator Matt) Patricia for trusting me, for the wisdom you both shared, and for helping me grow both on and off the field.”
“I want to thank all of Buckeye Nation. It was truly an honor to suit up in the scarlet and grey. The love and support from this fan base is unmatched.”
Reese was a four-star prospect out of high school and had to wait his turn before getting on the field in his second year in Columbus. In 2024, Reese had 43 total tackles, including 3.5 for loss, as a backup behind starting linebackers Sonny Styles and Cody Simon.
Reese was much improved as a starter this year. The 6-4, 243-pound linebacker had 69 total tackles, including 10 for loss. He also finished the season with a career-high 6.5 sacks.
Reese is viewed as a potential top-five pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
