NCAA overturns suspension for Ohio State LB, will play full game vs. Penn State

Ohio State will have one of its top young defenders back for the entire 60 minutes when it travels to State College to face Penn State football on Saturday. Monday, the Buckeyes announced that the NCAA overturned the targeting suspension incurred by sophomore linebacker Arvell Reese in the fourth quarter of last Saturday’s win over Nebraska. By rule, Reese was initially required to sit out of the first half against the Nittany Lions.

“Ohio State filed an appeal to the Big Ten Conference on behalf of Arvell Reese’s action in the fourth quarter of the game,” an Ohio State spokesperson said to Bucknuts, the Buckeyes’ 247Sports affiliate site, on Monday.

“The Big Ten went to the NCAA Football Secretary Rules-Editor and, after review, it was determined that this [action] was not targeting. Subsequently, Arvell’s suspension for the first half versus Penn State is vacated.”

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Reese was flagged for a hit that, although not initiated with the crown of his helmet, did make contact around the head of Nebraska wide receiver Jahmal Banks. Replay determined that Banks was a defenseless player and upheld the penalty and subsequent ejection.

Since the ejection occurred in the second half of the Buckeyes’ contest with the Cornhuskers, NCAA rules would have required Reese to sit out the first half Saturday against Penn State.

The call was highly controversial inside the Horseshoe. An irate Ryan Day needed to be restrained by an assistant coach and ultimately drew a sideline warning from officials. Multiple Ohio State fans threw items onto the field, leading to a pause in play.

Message on the scoreboard after the stoppage in play. pic.twitter.com/5VDt4Z4fAP

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) October 26, 2024

A former four-star, Reese is one of the Buckeyes’ top contributors at linebacker this fall. The sophomore, who made his second start of the year on Saturday, has 17 tackles and two tackles for loss this season.

No. 3 Penn State football and No. 4 Ohio State will kick off at noon ET on FOX.

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