The Ohio State Buckeyes are working through practices as they prepare for the giant Week 1 showdown with the Texas Longhorns. Having a new defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia brings a new challenge on top of replacing a significant number of veterans in the front four and back five, but the linebacker crew has reliable experience. Even without Cody Simons, Ohio State linebackers coach and legend James Laurinaitis is confident in his unit.

Laurinaitis talked to the media after Wednesday’s practice period about the talent within the linebacker room. Buckeye fans have a lot to be excited about.

Ohio State might typically field only two linebackers, but Laurinaitis insists he has three starting-caliber linebackers for the 2025 season. According to Laurinaitis, Arvell Reese and Payton Pierce have earned starting roles alongside Sonny Styles, and he’s treating all three as starters.

“Whether we’re three backers or two backers, I think they’re all just starters and they’re pushing each other in that way,” Laurinaitis said Wednesday.

Ohio State’s Linebacker Rotation

I really love my room, honestly,” Laurinaitis said, expressing confidence in the group’s overall talent. Beyond the trio, Laurinaitis highlighted the progress of freshmen Garrett Stover, TJ Alford, and Eli Lee during camp, signaling a deep and competitive linebacker unit.

Freshman Riley Pettijohn, who shed his black stripe on Tuesday, has also caught Laurinaitis’ eye. “He’s shown really tremendous growth since spring,” Laurinaitis noted, though he added that Pettijohn still has “some mental things he’s got to improve on.” Despite this, Laurinaitis expects Pettijohn to contribute from Week 1, even if primarily on special teams, underscoring the coaching staff’s trust in his potential.

Arvell Reese: A “Freakish” Athlete on the Rise

Arvell Reese has emerged as a standout, with Laurinaitis praising his “violence and ability to run,” calling him a “freakish” athlete capable of doing “a lot of different things that you dream of when you get to the linebacker position.”

Sonny Styles echoed this sentiment, noting Reese’s exponential improvement this offseason, particularly in his mental approach. “He’s always had the physical attributes, but him being able to understand the game and play fast and use those physical attributes – I think sometimes we don’t understand the game, and it can hold you back,” Styles said. He went as far as to say Reese deserved a spot on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, describing him as “the kind of guy who can basically do anything on the field” and a potential top defensive player in the country.

Reese himself is confident in his versatility, stating, “I feel like I’m always around the ball, I’m sideline to sideline. I think I can do a lot of stuff on the field too, a lot of different things.” He also credited Styles for his growth, learning from his preparation and intentionality off the field. “It’s more so just like how he prepares for games, how he prepares for practice, how intentional he is in meetings,” Reese said. “Sonny is a great person.”

Payton Pierce: Toughness and Football IQ

Payton Pierce has also drawn high praise for his toughness and football intelligence. Laurinaitis compared Pierce’s physicality to former Ohio State linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, noting, “You’d be surprised if he got through a practice without chips off of his face mask. And obviously that’s the way that I think the LB position should be played.”

Styles further lauded Pierce’s reliability and tackling prowess, saying, “He’s probably one of the best tacklers on the team. He just has a great understanding of the defense for him being so young. I think his knowledge of the game is like that of someone who’s a senior or junior that’s been playing for three, four years.”

Pierce thrives in the box, which allows Reese and Styles to play more freely in open space. He admitted that playing alongside such athletic standouts makes his role easier, as “they get all the fun stuff, sometimes it’s a little boring for me.” However, his confidence in their ability to cover and make plays simplifies his responsibilities, allowing the linebacker unit to function cohesively.

Sonny Styles: The Defensive Leader

Sonny Styles has emerged as the unequivocal leader of Ohio State’s defense, with Pierce describing him as “one of the biggest, fastest, strongest dudes we have.” Styles’ influence extends beyond his on-field performance, as he sets the tone for preparation and leadership. His ability to mentor younger players like Reese highlights his importance to the team’s culture.

Styles also praised the linebacker room’s collective talent, noting, “We got a lot of great players, and Payton’s one of them.” His versatility and leadership have been amplified by the arrival of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, whom Styles credits for giving him “a little bit more free” in his role. “I love Coach Patricia,” Styles said. “The way he utilizes me, he’s got me in a lot of different roles.”

Matt Patricia’s Influence

Laurinaitis, who has known Patricia since his pre-draft workout with the New England Patriots, praised the defensive coordinator’s intelligence and impact. “He’s just so smart … he’s really helped our players as they get lined up and they identify what’s the offense telling you when they line up,” Laurinaitis said, jokingly adding that his workout “must have been a bad one because he didn’t draft me.”

Patricia’s scheme, which emphasizes freedom and adaptability, has resonated with players like Styles and Reese, allowing them to showcase their athleticism and playmaking ability.

A Promising Outlook

With a blend of veteran leadership, emerging stars, and a coaching staff that maximizes their potential, Ohio State’s linebackers are poised to be a difference-making unit in 2025. From Reese’s athleticism to Pierce’s toughness and Styles’ leadership, the group’s depth and versatility promise to make them a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ defense.

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