The Bill and Doug Show: Ohio State Football Talk

Episode Title: Is Ohio State's Arvell Reese the Best Linebacker in the Country?
Date: September 29, 2025
Host: Bill Landis (Blue Wire)

Overview

In this Monday "Rewatch Thoughts" episode, Bill Landis takes a deep dive into Arvell Reese's standout performance as Ohio State linebacker. Focusing on why Reese might be the best linebacker in the country, Bill draws comparisons to former Buckeye greats, discusses Reese's unique athletic abilities and versatility, and contextualizes his national and Ohio State legacy. The episode combines Xs and Os football analysis, reflection on player development, and fan-focused insight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Arvell Reese's Uniqueness (00:55–04:10)

• Bill singles out Reese, noting he's covered Ohio State for a decade but hasn't seen many players like him.
• Reese's impact is highlighted as multifaceted—he’s not just filling the stat sheet but excelling in multiple roles on defense.
• Bill urges fans to appreciate Reese, suggesting he could leave for the NFL after this season.

Quote:
"It's hard to watch any Ohio State game, frankly, and not come away impressed with Arvell. And this one I thought was sort of extra special because of all the different things he was asked to do." — Bill Landis (02:55)

2. Statistical Context and NFL Future (04:11–08:40)

• Reese’s stats (25 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks, 8 pressures) aren’t eye-popping but his impact goes beyond numbers.
• NFL Draft scouts are already "drooling" over Reese; Bill doubts Ohio State will keep him for another season unless something extraordinary happens.
• Compared to Marshon Lattimore—a star who delivered one unforgettable season before jumping to the NFL.

Quote:
"It's just really difficult for me to see a pathway where he doesn't go to the NFL after this year if this continues." — Bill Landis (06:36)

3. Detailed Film Breakdown: Reese's Versatility on Display (08:41–18:55)

• Bill walks through four first-half plays from the Washington game to illustrate Reese's all-around skill set.

  • Run Defense, 2nd Play of Game (09:50)
    • Reese attacks the line, beats an offensive lineman, and solos a tough running back (Jonah Coleman) for no gain.
  • Pass Coverage, Goal Line Stand (11:00)
    • Excellent discipline and coverage on a play-action pass, showing patience and athleticism.
  • Tracking and Tackling in Space (13:20)
    • Reese’s speed and angle-taking prevent a likely touchdown on a flat route, forcing Washington to settle for a field goal.
  • Spy and QB Containment (14:55–16:10)
    • Matches Demond Williams’ every move on a scramble, refusing to cede ground to a very shifty QB.

Quote:
"There are not a lot of guys who are as big and rangy as Arvell who can then run the way that he does and have the agility that he does." — Bill Landis (14:40)

4. National Recognition and Internal Ohio State Rankings (19:00–21:35)

• Bill references Bruce Feldman relaying a coach’s perspective that Reese—not Caleb Downs—is OSU’s best defensive player.
• Hints at ongoing in-house debates for the Buckeyes’ top-22 players (Updates coming Wednesday for premium Substack members).
• Recognizes both Reese and Downs for doing things that regular stats don’t always capture.

Quote:
"Bruce [Feldman] said he talked to a coach who had played Ohio State already this year...that he thinks it's Arvel Reese and not Caleb Downs who is Ohio State's best defensive player." — Bill Landis (19:45)

5. Comparing Reese to Other Ohio State Linebackers (21:36–28:20)

• Bill lists his top linebackers of the past decade, slotting Darren Lee as #1 but suggesting Reese could surpass him by season’s end.
• Reese’s combination of on-ball (edge/rush) and off-ball (traditional LB) talent sets him apart—makes him a rarity even at an NFL level.

List of recent top Buckeye LBs (no particular order beyond #1):

• Darren Lee (#1 right now)
• Raekwon McMillan
• Jerome Baker
• Malik Harrison
• Pete Werner
• Cody Simon
• Sonny Styles
• Joshua Perry
• Tommy Eichenberg
• Arvell Reese (projects to top by end of 2025)

Quote:
"I think it's Darren Lee number one right now, but I think by the end of this season, there's a very good chance that I'll be putting Arvell Reese on the top of that list." — Bill Landis (27:32)

6. Big Picture: Legacy and Ohio State’s Linebacker Pipeline (28:21–31:35)

• Reese and Styles represent a new athletic archetype for Ohio State linebackers under James Laurinaitis and Matt Patricia.
• Bill calls for fans to enjoy seeing both on the field before NFL departures.
• Recognizes that OSU’s evolution at linebacker will continue to attract elite prospects.

Quote:
"You have two, two linebackers who are playing really well, kind of at the top of their game, I would say, at the top of the game in the sport right now. But one, especially in Arvell, who is a special blend of talent, skill set, freakish traits." — Bill Landis (29:44)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• "Enjoy it while you can...make sure you appreciate what Arvell Reese is doing because I don't think he'll be in a Buckeye uniform after this year."
  — Bill Landis (30:56)

• "That linebacker room has changed quite a bit under James Laurinaitis. I think we'll continue to and develop a reputation that...the next Arvell Reese...are going to want to come play here."
  — Bill Landis (31:13)

Notable Segment Timestamps

• 00:55 – Opening focus: Arvell Reese’s uniqueness.
• 06:36 – On the NFL’s apparent interest in Reese.
• 09:50, 11:00, 13:20, 14:55 – Four key plays illustrating Reese’s range and versatility.
• 19:45 – National coach calls Reese OSU’s best defender.
• 27:32 – Bill speculates Reese could become Ohio State’s best linebacker of the decade.
• 29:44 – The rarity and pinnacle of Reese’s skill set.

Conclusion

Bill Landis paints a vivid portrait of Arvell Reese as perhaps the nation’s most impactful linebacker—one whose value is clear in both film and future projections, even as his raw stats might underwhelm box-score chasers. By comparing Reese to a decade of Ohio State greats and placing him in a national context, Bill not only argues for Reese’s current greatness but also frames this as a special—and likely fleeting—moment for Ohio State fans to savor.