Ohio State Star, New York Giants Draft Pick Arvell Reese Had 0.4 GPA

On Thursday night the New York Giants made out like bandits when the team secured former Ohio State star linebacker Arvell Reese and standout offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa in the first round.

"It was a surprise that Reese made it to this point. He was in the running for the No. 2 pick with the Jets," ESPN's Jordan Ranaan wrote about Reese.

"The Giants needed to add quality players to their defense, and Reese fits the bill. The question is going to be how he fits considering most see him as an edge rusher and the Giants already have Brian Burns and Abdul Carter entrenched as starters."

At 20 years, 236 days old, Reese became the third-youngest player selected in the top five since 2000 -- trailing only Kyle Pitts Sr. and Jamal Lewis, according to ESPN Research.

Arvell Reese Recently Revealed His High School GPA

During an interview with CBS Sports, Reese revealed he initially had a 0.4 GPA in high school.

"I think the secret is just time and effort," Reese said in the interview. "In high school, it was a time where I didn't even try in school or didn't really think school was important. So, it just took for me to just lock in with it and take it serious."

Future NFL LB @arvxll Reese got that GPA UP | @AKinkhabwalapic.twitter.com/03oaHlQ4Sd

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) April 23, 2026

Reese went on to accumulate a 3.7 GPA in college, per the interview. He was a two-time OSU Scholar-Athlete and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2023 and 2024, majoring in human development and family science.

Reese Admitted He Was 'Unfocused' In High School

Reese previously told the Columbus Dispatch that he was "unfocused" in high school, given that his mother was dealing with health issues, and he needed to improve his grades to meet the NCAA's minimum GPA requirements to be eligible for college football.

He eventually transferred to Glenville High School and enrolled in a credit recovery program to lift his GPA where he was required to take night classes on top of his regular course workload.

Related: Mike Vrabel Makes New Comment on Wife Jen Before NFL Draft

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 7:17 PM.