Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese has emerged as a breakout star in 2025, positioning himself as a candidate for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. With comparisons to Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter, Reese's versatility and impact have vaulted him to No. 2 on draft boards behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. In a class lacking a clear top quarterback, his selection could highlight the value of non-QB picks at the top.
Arvell Reese, a true junior at Ohio State who won't turn 21 until August 2026, has transformed from an unheralded player into one of college football's most dominant defenders this season. In 2023, he appeared in six games without recording a tackle. His 2024 campaign showed flashes with a half-sack and 3.5 tackles for loss as part of a national championship defense that sent eight players to the NFL. But 2025 marks his full breakout, where his athleticism, position flexibility, and playmaking have separated him as arguably the best player in the draft class.
Reese now ranks No. 2 on updated 2026 NFL Draft big boards, trailing only Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. Former Titans GM Ran Carthon, co-host of the 'With the First Pick' podcast, praised Reese's potential, noting his similarities to Parsons and Carter, both Penn State products who transitioned from off-ball linebackers to elite edge rushers. 'He's going to go very, very early -- probably a little earlier than people realize,' Carthon said. He highlighted Reese's explosiveness as an off-ball linebacker and his prowess as a pass rusher, though ranking him third among the trio in that role.
History supports taking a non-quarterback at No. 1 in drafts without elite QB prospects. Since 2000, seven such picks have occurred: Courtney Brown (2000, DE, Browns), Mario Williams (2006, DE, Texans, 97.5 career sacks), Jake Long (2007, OT, Dolphins, four Pro Bowls), Eric Fisher (2013, OT, Chiefs, two Pro Bowls, Super Bowl LIV), Jadeveon Clowney (2014, DE, Texans, 62 career sacks), Myles Garrett (2017, EDGE, Browns, best non-QB in NFL), and Travon Walker (2022, EDGE, Jaguars, 26 sacks through 2025). While outcomes vary—Brown busted, Garrett excels—these selections often prove solid when QBs aren't slam-dunks.
In a recent mock draft, Reese projects to the Saints at No. 7, with eight sacks tying him for fourth among linebackers nationally and an 84.5 PFF run-defense grade. As teams like the Giants (current No. 1) and Titans (No. 3) lack QB needs, Reese represents the safest bet in a positional value referendum.
