Ohio State Pro Day 2026: Reese and Styles Ready to Finish What They Started

Ohio State's Dynamic Duo Ready to Finish What They Started at Pro Day

Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese didn't just perform at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine — they obliterated expectations. Now, as Ohio State's pro day approaches on March 25, the linebacker duo is set to complete their pre-draft showcase with vertical and broad jump drills that could cement their status as top-10 picks.

Styles, the former safety-turned-linebacker, shattered records at the Combine with a 43.5-inch vertical jump — the highest by any player weighing over 240 pounds in NFL Combine history. His 4.46-second 40-yard dash tied with Reese for the fastest among linebackers, while his 11-foot-2 broad jump and 1.56-second 10-yard split showcased explosiveness rarely seen at the position.

Reese, measuring 6-foot-4, 241 pounds, matched Styles' 4.46-second 40-yard dash time, proving that elite speed isn't limited to smaller linebackers. However, Reese opted out of the vertical and broad jump at the Combine, choosing instead to complete those drills at Ohio State's pro day where he can train specifically for them.

Record-Breaking Numbers That Have NFL Teams Salivating

The statistics from Indianapolis have sent shockwaves through draft rooms across the league. Styles' 43.5-inch vertical isn't just impressive — it's historic. According to Next Gen Stats tracking since 2003, no linebacker has ever posted a higher vertical jump at the Combine. His Next Gen Stats score of 94 ranks fifth among all linebacker prospects in the tracking era.

Reese's 4.46-second 40-yard dash at 241 pounds demonstrates rare speed-to-size ratio. For context, the average NFL linebacker runs a 40-yard dash between 4.6 and 4.8 seconds. Both players' times place them in elite company, with some analysts projecting Styles could go in the top five and Reese as a mid-first-round selection.

What Makes This Duo So Special

Styles' journey from safety to linebacker in 2024 has been validated by his Combine performance. His 6-foot-5, 228-pound frame combined with elite athleticism answers the question NFL teams had about his positional transition. The 43.5-inch vertical proves he has the explosiveness to cover ground quickly and the leaping ability to contest passes — skills that translated from his safety days.

Reese represents the traditional linebacker prototype — bigger, stronger, and surprisingly fast. His 6-foot-4, 241-pound frame gives him the ideal size for the position, while his 4.46-second speed allows him to chase down running backs and cover tight ends in space.

Why Ohio State's Pro Day Matters

While both players impressed at the Combine, Ohio State's pro day on March 25 represents their final opportunity to showcase their complete athletic profiles. Reese's decision to wait on the vertical and broad jump suggests he's targeting specific numbers that could further elevate his draft stock. Styles may attempt to replicate or even improve upon his record-setting vertical jump in a familiar environment.

NFL teams will have multiple opportunities to evaluate these prospects — from Combine measurements to pro day workouts to individual team visits. However, the Combine results have already established a baseline of elite athleticism that few linebacker prospects can match.

What to Watch at Ohio State's Pro Day

The vertical jump and broad jump drills will be the primary focus for both players, particularly Reese who skipped these events in Indianapolis. Scouts will be watching for:

• Reese's vertical jump numbers (expected to be in the 36-40 inch range based on his explosiveness)
• Whether Styles can approach or exceed his 43.5-inch Combine mark
• Both players' positional drills and coverage abilities
• Medical evaluations following their Combine workouts

The Bigger Picture for Ohio State and the 2026 Draft

Ohio State has produced numerous first-round linebackers in recent years, but Styles and Reese represent a new level of athleticism at the position. Their performances highlight the evolving nature of NFL defenses, where linebackers must possess safety-like coverage skills and defensive end-like explosiveness.

As the April 23-25 NFL Draft in Green Bay approaches, Styles and Reese have positioned themselves as the headliners of a deep linebacker class. Their Ohio State pro day performance could be the final piece that pushes one or both into the top 10 picks — a rare feat for linebackers in today's pass-happy NFL.

The question isn't whether these two can play in the league anymore. After their Combine dominance, the only question left is: how high will they go?