NFL Draft profile and projection for linebacker Arvell Reese

Arvell Reese quickly asserted himself early in the season as one of the best linebackers in the country. Now, with the 2026 NFL Draft imminent, he's poised to be one of the highest picks taken in this year's class. Of course, basically everyone expects Fernando Mendoza to be the No. 1 overall pick, but plenty of mock drafts and big boards have Reese as a potential No. 2. If Reese were to go that high, he would be the fourth Buckeye to go No. 2 overall since 2019 (after Nick Bosa, Chase Young, and C.J. Stroud).

Arvell Reese, Linebacker

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) reacts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Draft Projection: high first round

Usually I would use this space to list the player's Pro Day or NFL Combine results, but most Buckeyes opted to avoid the formal workouts this year. Still, Reese did run the 40-yard dash at the Combine, where he posted an impressive 4.46.

Despite being only a junior, there is not much variability on Reese. He is going to be a very high draft pick. Maybe No. 2 overall, maybe a little lower. Even if he slides, he won't fall out of the first round. Nothing is guaranteed in this business, but Reese is almost certainly going to be a top five pick, and he probably be the top linebacker taken in the draft... unless teammate somehow jumps him. Even if he does slip, he's not falling out of the first round. Reese is a first-round pick, and he's going to be a high one at that.