Darrell played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 2000-2004, where he was a four-year starter and named captain his senior year. He arrived at Minnesota as a linebacker, but was switched to defensive tackle in 2001. During his junior season, he led the team with 5.5 sacks. Reid switched to defensive end in 2004 and again led Minnesota in sacks with 7.5. This effort gained him a spot on the 2004 All-Big Ten Second Team.

Senior…started 12 games, had 52 stops, 40 solo, 17.5 tackles for losses, 7.5 sacks and one pass defensed…was Big Ten honorable mention by league coaches…2004 All-Big Ten Second Team.

Junior… started 13 games, registered 34 tackles, 26 solo, 5.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and one pass defensed…was honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by media.

Sophomore… started 12 games, ranked first among defensive lineman with 43 tackles, 31 solo…also had two sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Freshman…started 11 games, had 28 tackles, 18 solo, one sack and four passes defensed…was named to Big Ten All-Freshman team by The Sporting News.