Two Ohio State football players were selected to the preseason watch list for the 2025 Butkus Award.

In late July of 2025, the prestigious Butkus Award  given annually to college football’s top linebacker  announced its 51-player preseason watch list. Among the names selected were two leaders from the Ohio State Buckeyes: senior linebacker Sonny Styles and third-year defender Arvell Reese. Their inclusion spots them among the nation’s top linebacker duo and sets the stage for a defining season for each.

Ohio State stands alone in the Big Ten as one of just 13 schools with two linebackers on the list matching elite programs like Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and LSU. That recognition reflects not just individual talent, but also confidence in Ohio State’s front-seven leadership despite turnover.

Sonny Styles, entering his senior season, is widely viewed as the leader of Ohio State’s defense. After anchoring the team with 100 tackles, six sacks, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 2024, Styles returns as a captain candidate and the recognized centerpiece of the linebacker corps. His inclusion on the Butkus watch list marks his second straight preseason honor; he’s also on watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

Arvell Reese will be stepping into a new role as the starting middle linebacker, taking over snaps from 2024 contributors now in the NFL. Reese emerged last season as a rotational piece, finishing with 43 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a half sack  steady play that earned him both trust and now national attention. His first appearance on the Butkus list highlights a breakthrough moment: Reese is on the verge of becoming a focal point within OSU’s Silver Bullet defense.

The Butkus Award watch list is more than a preseason nod  it’s a reputation stamp among a national audience of scouts, media, and award voters. It means these players are considered among the best at their position across the country. Ohio State fans recognize that both Styles and Reese will carry significant expectations into fall camp.

Ohio State’s linebacker corps took center stage after finishing the 2024 season as one of the best in the nation. The Buckeyes won the CFP National Championship, and the defense earned praise  especially its front-seven flexibility and playmaking ability. Styles’ leadership and Reese’s ascension will be key to sustaining that level in 2025.

The positioning of these two players sends a message: Ohio State plans to rely on internal development and continuity at linebacker to anchor its defense. While the defensive line lost key starters to the draft, Styles and Reese provide stability in coverage, run fits, and situational leadership.

Preseason watch list inclusion also supports recruiting and NIL pitching. When high school prospects visit campus, recruiters can show that Ohio State produces linebackers who earn national award attention. That builds confidence that playing at OSU leads to national recognition  and potential pro prospects.

Fall camp becomes even more meaningful for Styles and Reese. With Styles as a veteran starter and Reese stepping into a higher role, early camp reps will determine how quickly Reese adapts and how well he pairs with Styles. The duo must deliver assignments and leadership from Day 1 as Ohio State rebuilds its defensive line around new contributors.

Watch list inclusion also brings personal motivation. Styles has appeared on multiple preseason lists, reinforcing his status; Reese now has a target on his back  he must show the same effort and instinct that earned him national attention. Their play throughout the season will determine whether the preseason buzz turns into postseason accolades.

That pressure will be on Big Ten media and scouts: Styles is expected to lead, speak, and make tackles in critical situations. Reese must show consistency in his first season as the primary Mike linebacker. Game film, production numbers, and leadership will shape their candidacies toward semifinalist and finalist rounds in November and December.

Ohio State’s defense will also benefit from their recognition in other award circles. For example, safety Caleb Downs and cornerback Davison Igbinosun were named to the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, recognizing top defensive backs in the country. That helps Ohio State portray a well-rounded defense, with Styles and Reese leading in the box.

Statistically, linebackers at Ohio State have historically lifted teams during big games. Styles logged key tackles and pass breakups in playoff matchups last season; Reese had strong situational snaps that earned trust from coaches. This year, teams face Ohio State with fresh eyes and offenses will test whether these linebackers lead from the second level.

Consistency is critical. The watch list also signals to coaches that Styles and Reese will be focal points of an attack on linebackers from teams aiming to run or exploit the middle. Their performance could shape matchups against SEC-style running games and power-run schemes.

If Styles and Reese combine for strong tackle numbers, sacks, pressures, and turnovers, Ohio State’s defense could again rank among the nation’s top units. That would help support national title aspirations   even with new starting faces on the line.

Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese’s inclusion on the 2025 Butkus Award preseason watch list highlights Ohio State’s linebacker strength heading into fall. Styles returns as a proven veteran and team leader; Reese steps into a larger role with national recognition. Their performance will help define Ohio State’s defensive identity in 2025, and they’ll carry personal and team expectations as stars entering fall camp and beyond.