Following the success of Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and other Ohio State prospects, the program has been predicted by many to have more than 4 top-ten prospects. The record for the most picks in one round of the NFL draft was previously set by Alabama in 2020.
During the NFL combine this week, both Styles and Reese topped their position groups at the 40-yard dash. Additionally, the OSU linebacker also broke the record for the 43.5″ vertical jump, boosting his draft stock significantly going into the 2026 draft.
Shannon Sharpe Has High Praise for Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles
Following the Ohio State duo’s performances at the NFL Draft Combine, NFL analyst and Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe had a ringing endorsement for the program. The legendary NFL tight end was joined by former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco.
“I said this. The one thing Ohio State guys can do is they can test. I don’t know who the strenght and conditoning coach is, or if he went somewhere else to train. I don’t know. Ohio State guys, they can go.” Sharpe proclaimed on Nightcap.
Shannon Sharpe and Ochocinco praises Ohio State talking Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese. pic.twitter.com/m0i1lZc9nG
— JBook. (@JBook_37) March 1, 2026
Currently, the most credited coach within Ohio State’s roster for strength and conditioning is Mickey Marotti. As the Director of Football Sport Performance, Marotti helped 28 Buckeyes achieve first-round NFL Draft status over the last 15 seasons.
Going into the 2026 NFL Draft, according to PFSN’s latest Mock Draft, the Buckeyes’ director of football sports performance will generate another five talents. Included in these talents are Reese, Styles, Carnell Tate, Kayden McDonald, and Caleb Downs.
“The measurables, the intangible, and the numbers jump off the roof. And when you turn the film on, you get exactly that as well. I’m not sure where he’s (Arvell Reese) is going to go, but whatever his draft stock was before the combine, it just climbed a little bit higher.” Ochocinco stated.
With a 4.46 40-yard dash, the best in his position, Reese has been projected by PFSN’s latest mock draft to land with the Arizona Cardinals with the third overall pick. Meanwhile, his teammate, Styles, is set to land with the New York Jets with the second overall pick.
“I ain’t goin lie. I was happy for him. Sonny and me, we were roommates in the combine. And that’s all we were talking about.” Reese revealed, when questioned on his thoughts after matching Styles’s 40-yard dash time at the combine.
No matter where either Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles lands, they will undoubtedly be high on many draft boards following their combine performances. Additionally, Ohio State may be set to produce one of the most physically dominant draft classes in NFL History.
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place on April 23. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it will be streamed live on ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network.
