Ohio State’s Championship Trio Reunites in NFC East After Stellar NFL Draft Night
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Just over a year ago, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs celebrated a national championship together as the backbone of Ohio State’s powerhouse defense. Now, the former teammates are set to face off as division rivals in the NFL after a dramatic first-round draft night landed all three in the NFC East.
The New York Giants kicked off the reunion by selecting linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 5 pick. Two spots later, the Washington Commanders grabbed safety Sonny Styles at No. 7—a move that came after the Kansas City Chiefs jumped ahead to snag another prospect. Then, in a bold trade-up, the Dallas Cowboys secured defensive back Caleb Downs at No. 11.
“It’s a blessing,” Reese said at his Giants introductory press conference. “To end up in the same division, to keep competing against each other—that’s what we’ve always done.”
From Buckeyes to Bitter Rivals
The trio played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s 30-4 record during their college careers, including a thrilling College Football Playoff victory over Notre Dame in January 2025. Their chemistry was undeniable, built on a shared drive to win and a deep bond off the field.
“We had guys who loved football, loved winning, and loved each other,” Styles said at the Commanders’ facility in Ashburn, Virginia. “When you have that kind of unity, great things happen.”
Their success didn’t go unnoticed. Ohio State set a new record with 99 first-round draft picks in NFL history—20 of them under head coach Ryan Day since 2019. Wide receiver Carnell Tate also joined the elite group, going No. 4 to the Tennessee Titans.
A Draft Night to Remember
The three defenders shared an emotional moment after the draft in Pittsburgh, swapping congratulations—and playful jabs. Downs, now a Cowboy, joked with Styles to “get away” from him, acknowledging their new roles in one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
“The trash talk started right away,” Downs admitted at his Dallas press conference. “But it’s awesome knowing we all made it. Now we get to compete at the highest level.”
Commanders coach Dan Quinn praised their humility, recalling how Styles and Downs spoke highly of each other during pre-draft interviews. “That says everything about their character,” Quinn said. “They were leaders at Ohio State, and they’ll bring that same mindset here.”
What’s Next for the NFC East Rivals?
Fans won’t have to wait long to see the former teammates clash. Reese (Giants), Styles (Commanders), and Downs (Cowboys) will face off twice a season—adding fuel to an already intense division.
For now, the trio is focused on proving themselves in the NFL. But one thing is certain: their championship bond won’t stop the rivalry from heating up.
“We’re excited for each other,” Styles said. “But when game day comes, it’s all business.”
— Reported by Nexio News
