COLUMBUS, Ohio — The excitement is palpable as Ohio State football gears up for the 2025 season, with linebackers and tight ends meeting with the media on March 27, 2025. Under the watchful eye of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, the Buckeyes are shaping their roster for what promises to be a thrilling campaign.
In just six weeks on the job, Patricia has already overseen six spring practices and conducted two press conferences, showcasing his commitment to building a formidable defensive unit. One player who has caught his attention, along with linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, is linebacker Arvell Reese.
“Arvell is so talented,” Laurinaitis said, beaming with pride. “Like, so talented.” This sentiment reflects the coaching staff's high hopes for Reese, who is entering his junior season with the Buckeyes. A product of Glenville High School in Cleveland, Reese is poised to step into a starting role following the departure of Cody Simon, who played a critical role in Ohio State's defense.
Last season, Reese made his mark as the third linebacker, recording 43 tackles, including a career-high seven in his first taste of the rivalry against Michigan. With Simon now gone, Reese is ready to take on a larger role alongside fellow linebacker Sonny Styles. “We’re realizing everything that Arvell Reese can do,” Laurinaitis remarked. “It’s a lot. It’s a lot. That’s a special talent.”
Reese attributes his growth to a commitment to honesty and accountability on the field. “You can’t be one of those guys where they ask you what happened and you try to lie,” he said. “Then you get in the film room, and you’re obviously lying. Just be honest.” His straightforward approach has earned him respect among teammates and coaches alike.
Meanwhile, Styles, who is also stepping into a leadership role, is ready to guide the defense as the only returning starter in the front six. Coming off an impressive season where he amassed 100 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks, the 20-year-old linebacker could have opted for the NFL but chose to return to Ohio State to continue his development.
“I just didn't feel like I was ready to go yet,” Styles explained. “I feel like I didn't reach my ceiling to where I wanted to be in terms of college.” His decision reflects a desire to contribute further to the Buckeyes' legacy while honing his skills before taking the next step.
Laurinaitis has praised Styles’ leadership, calling him “the leader of the entire team.” Styles embraces this role, highlighting the importance of instilling values in younger players. “It’s easy to be a leader on this team. We’ve got so many great people,” he said. His character and work ethic have earned him Iron Buckeye status, a recognition for his commitment to offseason conditioning.
“The longer you're here, the more you understand the importance of those kind of things,” Styles noted. “What Iron Buckeye means is being able to bring your ‘A’ game each and every day despite how you may be feeling outside of this building.”
As Styles prepares for his senior year, he is also focused on the collective goal of the team. “We won the national championship last year and we can hold onto that forever, but we’ve got to create our own story and start from ground zero. I think we have something to prove. We’ve got a little chip on our shoulder,” he stated.
Ohio State's coaching staff is equally optimistic about the tight end position. Keenan Bailey, the tight ends coach, remarked that the Buckeyes are “super deep” at tight end this season. He emphasized the talent of Will Kacmarek, whom he described as “the best blocking tight end in the country.” This depth will be crucial as the team looks to balance its offensive strategy.
As the spring practices continue, the Buckeyes are also preparing for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The excitement is amplified by the return of key players and the infusion of new talent, including transfer tight end Max Klare, who has joined the program from Purdue. His addition is expected to bolster an already strong tight end group.
Looking ahead, Ohio State is also making moves in basketball, with rumors swirling about the return of key players for the upcoming season. As the Buckeyes navigate the transfer portal, they are set to welcome Dailyn Swain, a Columbus native and Xavier transfer, for a visit on March 29-30, 2025. This could further enhance Ohio State's roster as they aim for success in the coming year.
The energy surrounding Ohio State football is infectious, with players eager to prove themselves and build on last year’s championship success. As spring practices unfold, the Buckeyes are focused on teamwork, accountability, and the pursuit of excellence. With a blend of returning stars and emerging talents, Ohio State is poised for a memorable season ahead.
