Otis Reese

Otis Reese Bio

Otis Sylvester Reese IV is an American professional football linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels before entering the 2023 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. Reese signed with the Tennessee Titans and has since developed into a special teams contributor and rotational linebacker across multiple organizations in the NFL.

Early Life and Background

Reese was born on July 2, 1998, in Leesburg, Georgia. He attended Lee County High School where he established himself as a highly decorated football player. Reese earned a four-star prospect ranking from 247Sports, positioning him as the 87th-best player nationally and the fifth-best outside linebacker in his class. His exceptional high school career attracted attention from major college programs across the country.

Initially, Reese committed to play college football for the Michigan Wolverines. However, he later changed his commitment and chose to play for the Georgia Bulldogs, marking the beginning of his collegiate football journey in the Southeastern Conference.

College Career at Georgia and Ole Miss

Reese joined the Georgia Bulldogs in 2018 as a true freshman. He appeared in 11 games during his first season, gaining valuable experience at the collegiate level. The following year, he played in all 14 games and recorded two tackles while continuing to develop as a linebacker in one of college football’s most competitive conferences.

Prior to the 2020 season, Reese transferred from Georgia to Ole Miss. He applied for an immediate eligibility waiver with the NCAA, citing personal reasons for his departure from Georgia. The NCAA delayed their decision until late in the season, granting him eligibility just before the final stretch of games. Reese made an immediate impact, playing the last three games of the season and recording 24 tackles with an interception.

During the 2021 season, Reese became a starter for Ole Miss and appeared in all 13 games. He placed fourth on the team with 90 tackles and added two pass breakups, one forced fumble, two tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks. His consistent performance established him as a key component of the Ole Miss defense. In his senior season of 2022, Reese continued his strong play and finished second on the team with 84 tackles. He recorded eight tackles for loss, three sacks, and another interception. After the season, he declared for the NFL Draft, concluding his Ole Miss career with 198 total tackles, two interceptions, and 4.5 sacks.

Otis Reese Career

Tennessee Titans (2023–2024)

After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Reese signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent. He impressed coaches during training camp, earning praise from head coach Mike Vrabel, and secured a spot on the team’s final roster. The Titans later waived Reese in late September 2023 and re-signed him to the practice squad. The team promoted him to the active roster in early December. Reese appeared in seven games with three starts during his rookie season, recording 21 total tackles.

Entering the 2024 season, Reese remained with the Titans, contributing primarily on special teams while serving as a backup linebacker. When Kenneth Murray suffered an injury in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Reese stepped into a larger role and made seven tackles while recording his first career interception. He finished the 2024 season appearing in 13 games with two starts, compiling 17 tackles, two pressures, and one interception. The Titans placed Reese on injured reserve in early January 2025 due to an ankle injury.

Buffalo Bills (2025)

In March 2025, Reese signed a one-year contract extension with the Titans. However, the team waived him in August before the start of the regular season. The Buffalo Bills signed Reese to their practice squad in late September 2025. He was released by the Bills less than two weeks later.

New England Patriots (2025–Present)

The New England Patriots signed Reese to their practice squad in November 2025. In February 2026, he signed a reserve/futures contract with the organization, securing his place on the roster heading into the 2026 season.

Playing Style and Strengths

Reese has developed a reputation as a reliable special teams player and depth linebacker throughout his early NFL career. His ability to step in and perform when called upon, as demonstrated during his Week 14 start in 2024, showcases his readiness and versatility. He brings experience from multiple defensive schemes after playing for three different organizations in his first three professional seasons.

Notable Events and Milestones

Reese’s first career interception during the 2024 season against the Jacksonville Jaguars marked a significant milestone in his professional development. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a roster player across multiple organizations reflects his resilience and ability to adapt to different team environments.

Otis Reese Career Statistics

Reese has appeared in 20 NFL games with five starts through the 2024 season, recording 38 total tackles and one interception.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented a year of transition for Reese. After beginning the year with the Tennessee Titans and appearing in their early season plans, he was waived during training camp. His brief stint with the Buffalo Bills provided limited opportunities before he joined the New England Patriots organization in November.

Reese’s ability to continue earning opportunities at the NFL level demonstrates the value teams place on his special teams capabilities and defensive versatility. His journey through three organizations in a single season highlights the competitive nature of maintaining an NFL roster spot.

His reserve/futures contract signed in February 2026 positions Reese to compete for a more significant role during the 2026 offseason and training camp with the Patriots. Teams value his experience playing multiple defensive schemes and his reliability on special teams units.