Arvell Reese is the most physically impressive linebacker in the 2026 draft class.
With elite strength at the point of attack, he can be a very effective run defender and, at just 20 years old—he turns 21 in late August—the 6’4″, 243-pound ‘backer has a bright future and can be a quality player at the next level.
Reese entered Ohio State as a 4-star recruit in the 2023 class and contributed in six games as a special teamer.
As a sophomore, he was a rotational player behind Sonny Styles (fellow 2026 draft prospect) and Cody Simon (2025 Arizona Cardinals fourth-round pick), totaling 43 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and half a sack during the National Championship run. This season has been Reese’s breakout campaign as a full-time starter.
Matt Holder has been a part of B/R’s Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation’s Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don’t Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.
