When you're a top NFL draft pick, the question everyone wants answered is simple: what's your favorite college football memory? For Ohio State standout and newly-minted New York Giant Arvell Reese, the answer might surprise you.

In exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from his pre-draft interview with the Giants—who snagged him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 draft—Reese was asked to name the highlight of his Buckeyes career. His response had nothing to do with a game-winning tackle, a rivalry victory, or a bowl game triumph. Instead, he pointed to a moment that happened before he ever stepped onto the field for a regular-season contest.

"Losing my black stripe," Reese said, a smile evident in his tone. "It's tradition there. That's like when you get fully accepted into the team, like earn your way on the team."

For those unfamiliar with Ohio State's storied tradition, the "black stripe" is a rite of passage for every freshman or new player. It's a literal stripe on their helmet that must be earned through hard work, dedication, and proving you belong. Once a coach removes it, you're officially a Buckeye. For Reese, that symbolic moment of acceptance meant more than any stat sheet or highlight reel.

It's a reminder that the foundation of greatness isn't always built in the spotlight—it's forged in the grind, the locker room, and the rituals that bond a team together. As Reese prepares to bring that same blue-collar mentality to the Giants, his favorite memory serves as a powerful testament to what it truly means to earn your stripes.