Move aside, Caleb Downs? NFL scouts love emerging Ohio State star as new top Buckeyes prospect
It wasn’t always pretty as the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Washington Huskies, 24 to 6. Ohio State scored on more than half of its drives, but the final margin was a product of a team that only had six drives before it ran out the clock on its final possession. Throughout the game, what […]
It wasn’t always pretty as the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Washington Huskies, 24 to 6. Ohio State scored on more than half of its drives, but the final margin was a product of a team that only had six drives before it ran out the clock on its final possession. Throughout the game, what was undeniable was that the Ohio State Buckeyes have an emerging star who is going to be one of the faces of the program as we get closer to the 2026 NFL draft.
And to many surprises, it’s not just safety Caleb Downs, who will be a headliner.
Alas, the Buckeyes moved to 4-0, and Arvell Reese was again the story for the third time in four games. The former middle linebacker wreaked havoc on Washington, totaling five tackles and seemingly ending up around the ball every other play.
Reese was also a big storyline in Week 1 against Texas, and now, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has a real weapon in Reese as an x-factor who can’t be taken off the field. NFL scouts are noticing and have gone quite far with their praise for a player lost in the shuffle last year.
Arvell Reese rises in 2026 NFL Draft projections
Here is what ESPN’s Jordan Reid reported after calling the Ohio State vs. Washington matchup in Seattle on Saturday.
“An impressive victory against Washington showed just how much depth the Buckeyes have this season. I count five Buckeyes with top-50 grades for 2026: safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Arvell Reese, wide receiver Carnell Tate, linebacker Sonny Styles and tight end Max Klare.
But it was Reese who really popped against Washington. He was viewed as a late-round prospect coming into the season, but Reese has been the Buckeyes’ best prospect on defense — yes, even more so than Downs — since becoming a starter in 2025. On Saturday, the 6-foot-4, 243-pounder showcased his versatility as a second-level defender and edge rusher, picking up five tackles. Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia tasked him with spying Washington QB Demond Williams Jr., putting his closing speed and physical play to use.
I spoke to multiple scouts in Seattle prior to the game, and they were buzzing about Reese’s skill set. The talented linebacker has catapulted into the Round 1 discussion. And if he continues on this rapid climb up boards, he has a chance to be the first linebacker selected and a top-20 pick.”
Playing like a heat-seeking missile behind a line that didn’t inspire much confidence until Week 1 wrapped up, Reese has been the perfect finisher and complementary piece across from Downs. With those two closing in from either side, Patricia has been able to drop more into coverage or spy one of the two players. That level of versatility has allowed Patricia to cook up NFL-level designs to the dismay of opposing coaches.
Reese was primarily used as a pass-rusher in Week 1, getting after Arch Manning almost 41% of his snaps. He was incredibly effective, totaling five pressures and leading the Buckeyes. We don’t have advanced stats as of Saturday night, but the eye test and raw stats proved Day and Patricia right to hand the keys to Reese this season and let the two most capable closers impact the game as well as anyone could.
“His production in the big game and in that spot,” Day said. “He started before, but not like a full-time starter, I guess is the best way to put it. Where our defensive staff, I think, was creative in what they did. But that’s Arvell putting it on the field, and his versatility allows us to do different things with him.”
