Tracking 26 Giants questions that could define their 2026 season
Tracking 26 Giants questions that could define their 2026 season
Tracking 26 Giants questions that could define their 2026 season
Art Stapleton, NorthJersey.comFri, Jul 3, 2026·4 min read
The standard by which John Harbaugh wants his New York Giants to be judged was set forth in the opening statement of his introductory news conference as head coach six months ago.
“To be on the biggest stage in the biggest sport, I know the challenges. I understand the expectations,” Harbaugh said. “I know the fans are hungry for a winner. We're here with one mission: to become, to earn the right to be called the world champions in New York, and that's what we plan to do."
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So what's the plan to make that happen? No longer is Harbaugh the unknown coach named to lead the Baltimore Ravens 18 years ago, when seemingly everyone outside of his inner circle had the same question: "Who is this guy?"
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) tackles Michigan Wolverines running back Bryson Kuzdzal (24) during the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) tackles Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) sacks Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer (17) in the second half of the college football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) pursues Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) warms up prior to the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) pressures Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese runs during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) stretches during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on March 19, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) leaves the field following the NCAA football game against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. Ohio State won 37-9. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) reacts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) tackles Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Husky Stadium in Seattle on Sept. 27, 2025. Ohio State won 24-6. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)From left, Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Tywone Malone, linebacker Arvell Reese and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald work out during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) and linebacker Arvell Reese (8) celebrate during the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) and cornerback Devin Sanchez (6) celebrate following the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) blocks a pass by Ohio Bobcats quarterback Parker Navarro (13) in the second half at the Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) scrambles past Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) and linebacker Arvell Reese (8) during the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images (Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)Jun 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Giants 2026 first round draft picks Francis Mauigoa, left, and Arvell Reese on the field after throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images (Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)May 21, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese (52) participates in a drill during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images (John Jones, John Jones-Imagn Images)Apr 24, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants draft pick Arvell Reese poses for a photo during the introductory press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images (Tom Horak, Tom Horak-Imagn Images)May 9, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese (52) speaks during a press conference at rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images (John Jones, John Jones-Imagn Images)May 9, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese (52) looks on after a press conference at rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images (John Jones, John Jones-Imagn Images)1 / 27
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) tackles Michigan Wolverines running back Bryson Kuzdzal (24) during the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) tackles Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) sacks Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer (17) in the second half of the college football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) pursues Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) warms up prior to the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) pressures Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese runs during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) stretches during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on March 19, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) leaves the field following the NCAA football game against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. Ohio State won 37-9. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) reacts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) tackles Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Husky Stadium in Seattle on Sept. 27, 2025. Ohio State won 24-6. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
From left, Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Tywone Malone, linebacker Arvell Reese and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald work out during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) and linebacker Arvell Reese (8) celebrate during the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) and cornerback Devin Sanchez (6) celebrate following the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) blocks a pass by Ohio Bobcats quarterback Parker Navarro (13) in the second half at the Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) scrambles past Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) and linebacker Arvell Reese (8) during the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images (Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Jun 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Giants 2026 first round draft picks Francis Mauigoa, left, and Arvell Reese on the field after throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images (Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
May 21, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese (52) participates in a drill during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images (John Jones, John Jones-Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
Apr 24, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants draft pick Arvell Reese poses for a photo during the introductory press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images (Tom Horak, Tom Horak-Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
May 9, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese (52) speaks during a press conference at rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images (John Jones, John Jones-Imagn Images)
Meet Arvell Reese, NY Giants' newest draft pick in photos
May 9, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese (52) looks on after a press conference at rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images (John Jones, John Jones-Imagn Images)
At 63, Harbaugh does not need to sell himself to anyone. He brings instant credibility to the job at hand, and the entire organization is encouraged by what they have seen so far.
For now, there are far more questions than answers. But we hope to set the table for the summer and beyond with these 26 questions that will define the 2026 Giants season. Check back here throughout July as we add more:
Who will be the breakout defensive player for the Giants?
Much was expected of Tyler Nubin when he was the first safety selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. The timing is right for this third-year pro to reach his potential and become the playmaker the Giants believe he can be. READ MORE
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Who will be the breakout offensive player for the Giants?
The Giants signed Isaiah Likely to be an offensive weapon in their offense for Jaxson Dart, and he's being paid for potential, not production - yet. READ MORE
Which Giants player is under the most pressure to perform this season?
The answer is obvious, but there are layers to what awaits Jaxson Dart in his second year. He's QB1 and one of the most popular names in the NFL. Let's explore. READ MORE
Odell Beckham Jr.'s homecoming with Giants comes with expectation and doubt all the same. What are his chances to make this team and produce in a much anticipated second chapter? READ MORE
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What will Abdul Carter's second season look like with Giants?
Abdul Carter enters Year 2 with a resume that remains under appreciated in some circles despite gifts that scream breakout. The Giants will be counting on him to produce. READ MORE
Are the Giants tight ends as good as John Harbaugh says?
There are no official rankings of position rooms in the NFL, but John Harbaugh declared two months ago that the Giants have the league's best tight end group. READ MORE
Where are the Giants most vulnerable in 2026?
You're going to hear a lot about cornerback and wide receiver, but if we truly appreciate how John Harbaugh wants this offense to set the tone, there is going to be a tremendous burden placed on the backfield. READ MORE
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Is this the Giants’ best offensive line since Super Bowl XLII?
Who will be the Giants’ most impactful rookie in 2026?
The Giants have lived through the horror movie on the offensive line before. Too often, to be honest. Will this year's first-round pick flip the script? READ MORE
Who will be the Giants' most important free agent signing in 2026?
It's no surprise that John Harbaugh brought with him from the Ravens someone who could change the game with elite talent and consistency. Why this player will emerge as the most important signing. READ MORE
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Which 3 Giants players are most underrated heading into 2026?
One of the three is a solid player who has adapted his game to the personnel and approach of those calling the shots. There is value in that. READ MORE
Which 3 Giants games will deliver most fireworks in 2026?
With chants of "Cowboys suck" ringing out around him, John Harbaugh was asked by a fan back in May if he could promise the Giants were done being kicked around by their NFC rivals and most hated foes: the Cowboys, Eagles and Commanders. READ MORE
Jan 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) greets Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) on the field after the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
How many games can Giants win this season?
There is optimism for the Giants. The schedule does not appear as daunting as it did one year ago, but this won't be a cake walk, either. READ MORE