Ohio State University has long been known as one of the top football programs in the country, consistently producing elite athletes who go on to make waves in the NFL. This success is not only the result of strong recruiting but also due to the development of players within the program, particularly in positions like linebacker, where Ohio State has consistently produced some of the most talented and dynamic athletes in college football. In a recent episode of the Buckeye Talk Podcast, the discussion focused on Ohio State’s promising linebackers—specifically Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles—and their unbounded potential.
For years, Ohio State has had a legacy of elite linebacker play. Names like Ryan Shazier, Chris Spielman, and A.J. Hawk are etched into the history of the program, and current head coach Ryan Day is tasked with continuing that tradition. This season, two rising stars in the linebacker corps, Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, are catching the eyes of analysts and fans alike. With their physical attributes, leadership qualities, and potential for growth, Reese and Styles have the makings of becoming the next great linebackers in Ohio State’s storied history.
In this article, we will delve into the talents and potential of these two rising stars, as well as examine the broader context of Ohio State’s linebacker corps, which is brimming with unbounded potential.
Arvell Reese: A Rising Star in the Linebacker Corps
Arvell Reese’s name has quickly become synonymous with potential. The freshman linebacker, who joined Ohio State as part of the 2024 recruiting class, is already turning heads with his raw athleticism and impressive skill set. Reese was a highly sought-after recruit, with many analysts and coaches alike praising his versatility, football IQ, and ability to make plays all over the field.
One of the most impressive aspects of Reese’s game is his ability to play both inside and outside linebacker. His size—standing at 6’2″ and weighing around 230 pounds—makes him a formidable presence against both the run and the pass. What sets him apart from other linebackers, however, is his fluidity and speed. Reese moves incredibly well for his size, and his ability to cover ground quickly is one of his most appealing traits. On the field, he is able to diagnose plays quickly and make decisive decisions, which has allowed him to stand out in both practices and scrimmages.
At the heart of Reese’s unbounded potential is his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. He is an excellent tackler who can take on blockers and fight through them to make plays in the backfield. His ability to read the quarterback and get into passing lanes is another area where Reese has shown promise. He’s been praised for his ball skills, which could translate to him becoming an interception threat, a key asset for any linebacker at the next level.
The Buckeyes’ coaching staff has made it clear that they see Reese as a future leader in their linebacker corps. Even though he is still early in his college career, Reese’s ability to take on multiple roles and responsibilities will only improve as he gains experience. The sky is the limit for Reese, who has the physical tools and work ethic to develop into one of the top linebackers in college football in the coming seasons.
Sonny Styles: The Versatile Playmaker
If there is one name that seems to always come up when discussing Ohio State’s future defensive stars, it is Sonny Styles. The highly rated recruit from the 2023 class made an immediate impact on the field during his freshman year, and as he heads into his sophomore campaign, his potential is undeniable. Styles is a linebacker who brings versatility, athleticism, and an unmatched ability to make plays.
At 6’4″ and 215 pounds, Styles has the ideal frame for a linebacker. However, what truly separates him from many others is his versatility. He can play as a traditional linebacker, but his athleticism allows him to thrive in coverage as well. He has the ability to line up as a safety or even as a hybrid player, filling multiple roles on Ohio State’s defense.
What makes Styles particularly exciting is his ability to impact every phase of the game. In his limited time on the field during his freshman year, he showcased his skills in a variety of ways. Whether it was disrupting the quarterback’s rhythm, covering tight ends and running backs in the passing game, or delivering hard-hitting tackles, Styles has already proven he can do it all.
One of the most notable aspects of Styles’ game is his football IQ. He is able to read plays quickly and act with decisiveness, which allows him to be in the right position at the right time. This trait is especially important in a linebacker, where the ability to anticipate and react to opposing plays can often be the difference between a stop and a big gain. Styles has the potential to become a leader of the defense due to his understanding of the game and his playmaking ability.
Beyond his intelligence, Styles has been praised for his work ethic and leadership qualities. He approaches the game with a professional mindset, always striving to improve and constantly looking for ways to get better. As a sophomore, he already seems to possess the maturity and focus that many upperclassmen take years to develop. This mindset will serve him well as he continues to hone his craft and eventually transitions into a leader in the Buckeyes’ linebacker room.
Ohio State’s Linebacker Corps: The Heart of the Defense
Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles are not the only linebackers with potential on Ohio State’s roster. The Buckeyes have long had a reputation for developing elite linebacker talent, and the current crop of linebackers is no exception. With a combination of experienced upperclassmen and emerging underclassmen, Ohio State’s linebacker corps has the potential to be one of the best in the country.
The leadership of veteran linebackers like Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers will be invaluable as Reese and Styles develop. Both Eichenberg and Chambers have shown impressive leadership skills and have become key contributors to Ohio State’s defense. They will play crucial roles in mentoring the younger linebackers and helping them navigate the challenges of competing at the highest level of college football.
What makes this group so exciting is the balance between experience and youth. With seasoned players like Eichenberg and Chambers anchoring the defense, Reese and Styles have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business. At the same time, their raw talent and athleticism offer a glimpse of the future. Ohio State is poised to have a linebacker corps that is not only strong in the present but also set up for long-term success.
In terms of schematic versatility, Ohio State has a defensive system that allows linebackers to showcase their talents in a variety of ways. Head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles have implemented a system that plays to the strengths of their athletes, allowing linebackers like Reese and Styles to thrive. Whether it’s rushing the passer, dropping into coverage, or playing the run, the scheme allows for maximum flexibility and makes the defense more dynamic.
This versatility is key to unlocking the full potential of Ohio State’s linebackers. With players like Reese and Styles, who excel in multiple areas, Ohio State’s defense will be a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. The ability to move these players around the field and create mismatches could give Ohio State a distinct advantage in critical moments of games.
Unbounded Potential: What Lies Ahead
The potential of Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Ohio State’s linebacker corps as a whole is truly unbounded. Both Reese and Styles have shown the ability to be impact players early in their careers, and as they gain more experience, they will continue to develop into elite talents. Their physical tools, work ethic, and football intelligence suggest that they are more than capable of becoming the next great linebackers in Ohio State history.
As Ohio State continues to recruit top-tier talent, the linebacker position will remain a key focus. The Buckeyes have long prided themselves on developing NFL-ready players, and Reese and Styles are no exception. As they grow, they will likely join the ranks of former Buckeye linebackers like A.J. Hawk and Ryan Shazier, who made their mark in the NFL and became household names.
For the Ohio State coaching staff, the challenge will be ensuring that these talented linebackers continue to develop and maximize their potential. If Reese and Styles continue on their current trajectory, they could become the cornerstone of Ohio State’s defense for years to come, helping the Buckeyes contend for national championships and shaping the future of the program.