When discussing the Ohio State Buckeyes’ defensive front, particularly the linebacker corps, two names stand out immediately—Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese. Both are often heralded as two of the most athletic linebackers in the nation, and for good reason. Their blend of size, speed, instincts, and versatility places them in a class of their own, and yet the Buckeyes don’t rely solely on these two athletes to anchor the middle of their defense. Instead, Ohio State prides itself on building remarkable depth and versatility, allowing the team to rotate multiple highly capable linebackers and maintain a dominant presence regardless of the situation.
Sonny Styles, the younger brother of former Buckeyes standout Chris Styles, has emerged as a player with tremendous upside. Standing around 6-foot-3 and weighing approximately 230 pounds, he combines a rare mixture of physicality and quickness. What makes Styles truly special is his ability to cover a wide range of responsibilities. Whether he’s charging into the box against the run, dropping back into coverage, or blitzing off the edge, Styles exhibits fluidity and athleticism that make him difficult to categorize. This level of flexibility is critical in today’s college game, where linebackers need to defend against increasingly dynamic offenses that challenge defenders in both the run and pass games.
Similarly, Arvell Reese is a linebacker who exemplifies speed and agility in the middle of the defense. Reese, who has made a name for himself with his explosive athletic traits, possesses the kind of burst that allows him to close ground quickly and make plays sideline to sideline. His speed also makes him effective in coverage roles, matching up well against tight ends and even faster running backs. Reese’s instincts and motor stand out as well—he seems to be around the ball on nearly every play, often positioning himself perfectly to make tackles or disrupt routes. His knack for reading plays and reacting swiftly is what makes him a core piece of Ohio State’s linebacker unit.
Despite the undeniable talents of Styles and Reese, the Buckeyes’ linebacker depth chart goes well beyond these two. Head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles have invested considerable effort into developing a rotation that keeps players fresh, versatile, and ready to respond to any offensive scheme. Depth in the linebacker room not only serves to mitigate injuries and fatigue but also presents matchup advantages against opponents who try to exploit perceived weaknesses.
For example, Ohio State’s linebacker room includes several other highly skilled athletes who bring different strengths to the field. Some linebackers are more physical, excelling in run defense and shedding blocks to stop ball carriers in the backfield. Others have greater coverage ability or blitzing prowess. This variety allows the coaching staff to adjust personnel based on game plans and opponent tendencies. Having multiple players capable of stepping into starting roles without a significant drop-off is a luxury that few programs enjoy, but it is a hallmark of Ohio State’s recruiting and development philosophy.
The Buckeyes’ commitment to depth at linebacker also reflects the evolving demands of college football defenses. No longer can teams rely on a few star players to carry the load throughout an entire game or season. The fast pace of play, the complexity of modern offenses, and the physical toll of the sport necessitate a rotation approach that keeps players fresh and prepared. Ohio State’s linebackers embody this trend perfectly. Coaches emphasize conditioning, mental preparation, and versatility during practice, ensuring that every linebacker on the roster can contribute in a meaningful way when called upon.
Beyond the physical and strategic benefits, having multiple athletic linebackers fosters healthy competition within the team. Players push each other to improve their skills, technique, and football IQ. This internal competition raises the overall quality of the group and creates an environment where complacency is not an option. Both Styles and Reese, while standout talents, must constantly prove themselves against teammates eager to earn playing time. This culture of competition ensures the Buckeyes’ linebacker corps remains sharp and ready for any challenge.
Moreover, the presence of many talented linebackers provides Ohio State with flexibility in defensive alignments. Whether playing in a traditional 4-3 front or employing various nickel and dime packages to defend against spread offenses, the Buckeyes can adjust personnel seamlessly. Athletic linebackers like Styles and Reese can drop back into coverage, effectively playing a hybrid safety-linebacker role, while others may stay closer to the line of scrimmage to help in run defense or pass rush. This multiplicity of roles enhances Ohio State’s ability to disguise coverages and blitzes, keeping opposing quarterbacks guessing.
In many ways, Styles and Reese represent the prototype for the modern linebacker—athletic, versatile, and instinctive. However, it is the supporting cast of talented linebackers around them that truly elevates Ohio State’s defense. Players like Jack Sawyer, who occasionally moves between linebacker and defensive end, and other emerging talents provide the Buckeyes with the kind of rotational depth that can withstand the rigors of a long season. Injuries, adjustments, and game flow all require a deep bench, and Ohio State’s linebacker room is well-stocked with athletes capable of stepping into any role.
Recruiting also plays a pivotal role in maintaining this depth. Ohio State’s national reputation and track record of sending players to the NFL attract top high school prospects. The coaching staff identifies linebackers not only for their current ability but also for their potential to develop into multi-dimensional defenders. This long-term vision ensures a steady pipeline of talent that replenishes the roster year after year, maintaining the Buckeyes’ elite status.
Another important aspect to consider is the mental side of playing linebacker at Ohio State. With so many talented players, the coaching staff emphasizes football intelligence, play recognition, and leadership qualities. Linebackers must understand complex defensive schemes, communicate adjustments on the fly, and maintain discipline in their assignments. Both Styles and Reese have demonstrated these intangibles, which are often what separates good players from great ones. Their ability to read offenses and make split-second decisions enhances their athletic gifts, making them even more effective.
The Buckeyes’ linebacker depth also creates opportunities for situational football. Depending on the opponent’s offensive tendencies, Ohio State can deploy linebackers with specific skill sets to exploit weaknesses. For example, against run-heavy teams, the staff might emphasize linebackers with physicality and tackling prowess. Against pass-heavy offenses, more agile linebackers who excel in coverage take priority. Styles and Reese fit comfortably into either role, but the surrounding depth allows Ohio State to tailor its defensive approach without sacrificing effectiveness.
Furthermore, this depth at linebacker positively impacts special teams. Many linebackers participate heavily on kickoff, punt coverage, and return units. Having multiple athletic and disciplined linebackers like Styles and Reese ensures that Ohio State fields strong special teams squads, which can influence field position battles and game momentum. The experience gained on special teams also helps younger linebackers develop confidence and awareness, preparing them for larger roles on defense.
As the Buckeyes move forward, the development of these linebackers will be key to sustaining the program’s defensive dominance. Styles and Reese, already considered among the nation’s top athletes at their position, will be looked upon to lead both on and off the field. Their work ethic, performance in big moments, and ability to mentor younger players will shape the future of the linebacker room. At the same time, the coaching staff’s ability to continue cultivating talent and maintaining depth will determine how long Ohio State can keep its defensive edge.
In conclusion, Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese stand out as two of the most athletic linebackers in college football, combining speed, strength, instincts, and versatility. Yet, Ohio State’s defensive success does not rest solely on their shoulders. The Buckeyes boast a deep and talented linebacker group that can rotate seamlessly, adjust to multiple defensive schemes, and respond to the demands of a grueling season. This depth, combined with high-level coaching, recruiting, and player development, ensures Ohio State remains one of the nation’s elite defensive programs. Styles and Reese are at the forefront of this effort, but the full linebacker unit embodies the collective strength that makes the Buckeyes’ defense a formidable force year after year.
