Arvell Reese (born August 30, 2005) is an American professional football linebacker for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Reese played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, winning the 2024 national championship before being selected fifth overall by the Giants in the 2026 NFL draft.
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Early life
Reese was born on August 30, 2005 in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Glenville High School in Cleveland's Glenville neighborhood and was rated as a four-star recruit and committed to play college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
College career
As a freshman in 2023, Reese only appeared in six games due to a concussion, recording no statistics. In the 2024 season opener, he notched four tackles with one being for a loss in a win over Akron. In week 9, Reese recorded two tackles but was ejected due to a questionable targeting call late in the fourth quarter against Nebraska. The call was later overturned on appeal, lifting Reese's suspension for the Buckeyes' matchup versus Penn State. As of the 2025 season, Reese has become a highly touted linebacker for the 2026 NFL Draft, and has become one of the best linebackers in the country. On January 8, 2026, Reese declared for the draft.
Professional career
Reese was selected by the New York Giants in the first round with the fifth overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft. On May 29, 2026, he signed a four-year, $47.8 million contract with the Giants that included a $31.2 million signing bonus.