Why Ohio State Will Have A New Look At Linebacker In 2026

With 2025 starting linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles both selected among the top-10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Ohio State Buckeyes are going to have a new look at linebacker this fall. 

But more than just new faces, there are going to be new roles and a new mixture of players in different packages. 

In this episode of the Buckeyes TomOrrow Morning podcast, Tony Gerdeman of BuckeyeInsiders.com joins host Tom Orr to discuss how the new-look linebackers could fit together to defend against the wide variety of offenses they'll face this fall.

From last year's third linebacker Payton Pierce, to Wisconsin transfer Christian Alliegro, to talented second-year standouts Riley Pettijohn and TJ Alford, there is a lot of potential in James Laurinaitis' position group.  

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