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‘He’s advanced’ - Ohio State breakout candidate gives glowing review of freshman who is set to play against Arch Manning and Texas

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Aug 7, 2025 8:32 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes will need to prove once again that they can reload when they take the field in Week 1 against the Texas Longhorns.

Ohio State returns several key starters, including Jeremiah Smith, Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Carnell Tate, and a few others. However, the Buckeyes will also be relying on some new faces who played sparingly last year.

While there isn’t a star freshman like Smith on the roster this season, several newcomers have a chance to make an impact. Cornerback Devin Sanchez is getting the most attention, but another freshman is starting to make a name for himself as well.

Starting linebacker Arvell Reese didn’t hold back when asked about where he thinks Riley Pettijohn stands right now as a freshman at Ohio State.

“I think Riley [Pettijohn] is ready to play right now,” Reese said earlier this week. “He’s an advanced freshman. He’s in the book, he’s studying, he’s advanced. And his measurables are crazy—he’s sideline to sideline, too.”

I asked Arvell Reese about his impression of Riley Pettijohn and his ability to get on the field for the Buckeyes as a true freshman this season.

Reese said Pettijohn is “advanced” mentally, and his measurable speak for themselves. pic.twitter.com/9E6kcP2Hxe
— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) August 6, 2025

Pettijohn was the highest-rated linebacker Ohio State recruited last cycle and was the No. 2 linebacker in the country out of McKinney, Texas. He joins Tarvos Alford and Eli Lee in what was a strong haul for linebackers coach James Laurinaitis for 2025.

“Riley has shown really tremendous growth. Even in the spring, you saw the traits,” Laurinaitis said. “Mentally, I think he’s studying better, and he’s starting to get a feel for how things are done at this level. He’s had a really strong fall camp so far.”

Laurinaitis went on to say he expects Pettijohn to be on the field in Week 1 against Texas, whether on defense or special teams. The freshman with star potential has already earned the trust of his position coach—someone who knows the game inside and out.

James Laurinaitis on Arvell Reese’s skill set:

“It’s violence at the point of attack, and the ability to run … He can do a lot of different things you dream of when you get to the linebacker position.”

Buy every last bit to Reese stock available. pic.twitter.com/uoqBvnnNM5
— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) August 6, 2025

Ohio State’s top three linebackers are Styles, Reese, and Peyton Pierce. Don’t be surprised if Pettijohn ends up becoming the fourth member of that group at some point this season. He may be just that good.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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