Former Ohio State Buckeyes shine in NFL Week 5 as Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Jack Sawyer and C.J. Stroud headline standout performances across the league.

Former Ohio State football stars continued to make their mark in Week 5 of the NFL, led by rookie linebacker Arvell Reese’s standout performance for the New York Giants. Reese recorded nine tackles and a sack, while Sonny Styles posted a team-high 13 tackles for Washington. Jack Sawyer, C.J. Stroud, Chase Young, Chris Olave, and other former Buckeyes also delivered notable performances, keeping Ohio State’s NFL presence in the spotlight.

Jack Sawyer – Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Indianapolis Colts 34-22. Defensive end Jack Sawyer posted a solid performance, converting four total tackles. Veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward also contributed, recording three tackles and a sack. The black and gold are notorious for taking former Buckeyes, and they were well represented in this week’s matchup with the Colts.

CJ Stroud – Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are no longer winless. CJ Stroud and the Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans, who remain winless. Stroud led Houston to a 26-point showing, passing for 261 yards and a touchdown. Stroud, who is now in his fourth season, is in the midst of contract negotiations. While Houston’s season hasn’t gone as planned, Stroud has looked the part, but it hasn’t been enough to win. As the offense starts clicking, the Texans will hopefully break out of the funk and win some games.

Speaking of the offense, the Texans reunited Stroud with former college teammate and first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. The teams agreed to the trade on Saturday and finalized it after Sunday’s game. According to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, the Texans will send Arizona a 2027 2nd-round pick and a 2027 7th-round pick in exchange for Harrison and a 6th-round pick.

Final, updated trade terms between Arizona and Houston, pending physical:

🏈Texans receive:
WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
2027 6th-round pick

🏈Cardinals receive:
2027 2nd-round pick
2027 7th-round pick https://t.co/kmPih56iFd

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 12, 2026

Arvell Reese – New York Giants

The New York Giants faced the Washington Commanders on Sunday in a rare tie. Rookie linebacker Arvell Reese continued his dominant season, converting 9 tackles and a sack. After his performance, Reese’s odds for Defensive Rookie of the Year rose to 2nd, behind Jets defensive end David Bailey. Reese now has 29 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception.

Arvell Reese wasn’t the only Buckeye in that game. The Washington Commanders were well-represented by rookie linebacker Sonny Styles and veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Sonny Styles led the team with 13 tackles in the overtime thriller. Styles has been a key part of a struggling Washington team in his first NFL season. Styles now has 15 tackles, 1 interception, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble this season.

Terry McLaurin caught four passes for 62 yards in the tie. McLaurin surpassed 200 receiving yards with 14 catches and a touchdown.

The New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints fell to 1-4 on the season after falling to the Minnesota Vikings, 23-13.

Defensive end Chase Young continued his excellence this season with a fumble recovery and an assist on a sack. Young has revitalized his career since signing with the Saints and now has four sacks.

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave caught four passes for 46 yards in the loss. Olave has been superb this season despite the Saints’ struggles. Olave has 39 receptions for 537 yards, good for second place in both categories.

Saints linebacker Pete Werner recorded 10 tackles on Sunday. The veteran now has 35 total tackles this season. Werner has been one of the most consistent players on the Saints defense, and that doesn’t seem likely to change anytime soon.