Ohio State Linebacker Sonny Styles Makes a Bold Move: Declares for the 2026 NFL Draft
A Rising Star in the Making
With a stellar college football career under his belt, Sonny Styles is ready to take on the NFL. The Ohio State linebacker, a three-year starter, team captain, and recipient of the prestigious "Block O" jersey, has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. This move comes as no surprise to fans, who have been eagerly awaiting his next step in the football world.
A Star is Born
Styles, who committed to Ohio State in 2021, has been a fan favorite from the start. The son of former Ohio State linebacker Lorenzo Styles Sr. and the brother of current Buckeye defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr., he reclassified from the 2023 class to 2022 and still finished as a top-10 overall prospect. His immediate impact on Ohio State's defense was evident as a freshman, and his role only grew from there.
A Versatile Defender
As a sophomore, Styles started at free safety and recorded 53 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in 13 games. But it was his junior season that truly solidified his place in Ohio State's history. Transitioning to linebacker, he delivered a career-best campaign, finishing with 100 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks as the Buckeyes won their ninth national championship all-time.
A Senior Season to Remember
Styles chose to return for his senior season in 2025 and saved his best for last. He totaled 82 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. While those numbers were not career highs at the time, one remarkable statistic underscored Styles' impact: He was a perfect 80-for-80 on takedowns entering the College Football Playoff, not missing a single tackle in Ohio State's first 13 games. He earned first-team All-American honors from the Sporting News.
A Versatile NFL Prospect
With freakish athleticism at 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Styles projects as an intriguing NFL Draft prospect. His blend of size, range, and tackling efficiency should translate seamlessly to today's space-oriented NFL defenses. He offers the versatility to stop the run while covering running backs, tight ends, and even the occasional wide receiver.
A Controversial Decision?
But here's where it gets interesting. Some may argue that Styles' decision to declare for the draft is a bit early. With his senior season still ahead of him, he could have potentially improved his draft stock further. However, his impressive performance and the fact that he has exhausted his eligibility make this a bold and well-deserved move.
What do you think? Is Sonny Styles making the right move by declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
