Ohio State Linebacker Arvell Reese Expected to Start, Replace NFL-Bound Cody Simon

Arvell Reese, a third-year linebacker for Ohio State, is poised to take on a larger role this season, stepping in as a starter alongside Sonny Styles following Cody Simon's departure to the NFL. Known for his impressive size at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, Reese combines sideline-to-sideline speed with versatility, able to play both off-ball and as an edge rusher, which coaches and teammates have praised highly. Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis highlighted Reese's rapid growth in understanding defensive schemes and his ability to diagnose plays quickly, reflecting his maturation since his freshman year when the complexity of college football was overwhelming. Reese himself describes his playing style as a "silver bullet," always around the ball and playing fast, and he is excited about the freedom new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia gives him in various roles. Reese's development is seen as a continuation of the strong Cleveland Glenville football pipeline, with expectations that he will emerge as a key defensive star for the Buckeyes’ 2025 campaign. The coaching staff views Reese, Styles, and Payton Pierce as interchangeable starters, pushing each other to elevate the linebacker corps’ performance.