Sonny Styles, a standout linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes, made headlines in January 2025 when he announced his decision to return for his senior season, opting out of the NFL Draft. This choice carries significant implications for both Styles’ personal development and the future of Ohio State football.
Background and Early Career
Born on November 24, 2004, in Pickerington, Ohio, Sonny Styles attended Pickerington Central High School, where he showcased exceptional talent on the football field. As a five-star recruit, he committed to Ohio State University, following in the footsteps of his father, Lorenzo Styles Sr., a former Buckeyes linebacker and NFL player, and his brother, Lorenzo Styles Jr., a current Ohio State cornerback.
In his freshman year at Ohio State, Styles made an immediate impact, recording nine tackles, including one for a loss. His versatility was evident as he transitioned from safety to linebacker, a move that would define his collegiate career.
Breakout 2024 Season
The 2024 season marked a significant turning point for Styles. Transitioning to linebacker, he delivered a standout performance, accumulating 100 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and five passes defended. His exceptional play was instrumental in Ohio State’s national championship victory, with a particularly dominant performance in the Cotton Bowl against Texas, where he recorded nine tackles and three sacks.
Decision to Return for Senior Season
Despite his impressive performance and rising draft stock, Styles chose to return to Ohio State for his senior year. He expressed a desire to continue developing his skills and contribute further to the team, stating, “I wasn’t ready to leave yet. I feel like I have some more stuff to work on, get better at and some more stuff to prove with this team.”
Significance for Ohio State Football
Styles’ decision to return is a boon for Ohio State football. His leadership and experience will be invaluable, especially considering the departures of several key defensive players. As one of the few returning starters, Styles is poised to take on a more prominent leadership role, potentially serving as a team captain. His presence ensures continuity and stability within the defense, which is crucial for maintaining the team’s competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Impact on NFL Draft Prospects
By returning for his senior season, Styles positions himself to further enhance his draft prospects. Another year of collegiate play allows him to refine his skills, particularly in areas like man-to-man coverage and quick directional changes, which are vital for success at the professional level. This decision reflects a strategic approach to his career, prioritizing development over immediate entry into the NFL.
The Decision to Return and Its Strategic Importance
Sonny Styles’ decision to bypass the 2025 NFL Draft was a calculated move that underscores his desire for further development, both as a player and a leader. While many young athletes view the NFL Draft as the ultimate goal, Styles understands that his draft stock could benefit from an additional year of college experience. For a player with as much potential as Styles, his return signals a maturity in understanding the importance of growth at the collegiate level, especially given the specific technical skills required to transition successfully into the NFL.
In particular, Styles’ ability to refine his skills in coverage—particularly in man-to-man coverage against tight ends and running backs—could be a key focus for him in his senior season. These skills are crucial for success at the next level, where the speed and complexity of offenses demand that defenders be versatile, agile, and highly reactive. A year of focused development would allow Styles to address any gaps in his game, particularly in his ability to cover faster, more elusive athletes at the professional level. Additionally, Styles has the opportunity to build upon his leadership abilities, which will be essential for the Buckeyes’ defense as they rebuild after losing several defensive starters. His presence as a captain, potentially, would bring a wealth of experience to the field, setting the tone for a new wave of Ohio State defensive talent.
The Leadership Role in 2025
With several key players leaving for the NFL or graduation, the 2025 Ohio State football team will look to Sonny Styles for leadership, both on and off the field. As one of the most experienced returning players on defense, Styles’ leadership will be integral to ensuring continuity for a defensive unit that aims to maintain Ohio State’s competitive edge in the Big Ten and nationally.
Historically, the Buckeyes have relied on key players, particularly on defense, to provide the leadership needed to guide the team through the pressures of high-stakes college football. Players like Chase Young, who dominated both on the field and in the locker room, set a standard of excellence for future Buckeyes. Styles, who has the physical talent and mental fortitude to fill such a role, is expected to lead the charge in the 2025 season. His growth as a vocal leader in the locker room and as a mentor to younger players will have lasting impacts, especially in the development of younger defensive recruits who are eager to step into starting roles.
A Defining Year for Sonny Styles
The 2025 season may very well be a defining year for Sonny Styles, both as a player and a potential first-round NFL draft pick. His decision to return for his senior season could be the catalyst for one of the most exciting individual seasons in recent Ohio State history. With his combination of physicality, speed, and intelligence, Styles is poised to make an even greater impact as he hones his skills.
Ohio State’s defense has historically been the backbone of the program’s success, and Styles’ return gives the Buckeyes a critical edge in an increasingly competitive landscape. Styles’ natural ability to disrupt offensive plays, combined with his ability to read the game and make split-second decisions, makes him a unique and valuable asset for the 2025 team. In many ways, his return raises the stakes not just for Ohio State, but for Styles himself, as he has the chance to solidify his status as one of the premier linebackers in college football.
The Significance for Ohio State’s National Title Contention
In terms of team success, Styles’ return cannot be overstated. Ohio State has always been a contender for national championships, but the 2025 team will face stiff competition from rivals such as Michigan, Alabama, and Georgia. As such, maintaining a top-tier defense will be crucial to the Buckeyes’ chances of making a deep run in the College Football Playoff.
With Styles leading the charge, Ohio State’s defense will benefit from his exceptional playmaking ability and football IQ. His instincts allow him to read offensive plays with remarkable precision, positioning himself in the right place at the right time to make game-changing plays. Whether it’s tracking down a quarterback on a blitz or stopping a running back behind the line of scrimmage, Styles’ presence will ensure that Ohio State remains a formidable force in every game they play. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses will play a significant role in keeping the Buckeyes competitive in the race for the national championship.
Beyond his on-field performance, Styles’ leadership will provide a sense of stability and unity in the locker room. As the team faces difficult challenges, particularly in the high-pressure environment of a College Football Playoff run, having a player like Styles, who has been through the battles and understands the stakes, will help keep the team focused and motivated.
NFL Prospects and Future Aspirations
Looking beyond the 2025 season, Sonny Styles has the potential to hear his name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that will depend on how he develops in the coming year. Styles already boasts impressive measurables, standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 225 pounds, with a rare combination of speed, strength, and agility that scouts love. His ability to contribute both as a linebacker and a hybrid safety gives him the versatility that NFL teams are seeking in the modern defensive landscape.
If Styles can continue to elevate his game, specifically in his ability to cover diverse offensive schemes, he could emerge as one of the top linebackers available in the 2026 draft. His return to Ohio State for a final season could be the perfect opportunity for him to address any areas of his game that need refinement, making him an even more attractive prospect for NFL teams looking for impact players.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Sonny Styles’ decision to return to Ohio State for his senior season has far-reaching consequences, both for his future career and for the success of the Buckeyes football program. By opting to delay his entry into the NFL Draft, Styles ensures that he has the opportunity to develop further, refine his skills, and improve his leadership abilities. His return gives Ohio State a major boost, as he will play a key role in the team’s defense, serving as both a dynamic player and a mentor for younger talent.
As the 2025 season approaches, the anticipation surrounding Styles’ continued growth and his contributions to Ohio State’s national title aspirations will only increase. The Buckeyes’ defense will look to Styles to lead the way, both in terms of his on-field performance and his leadership in the locker room. Should he capitalize on his final season in Columbus, there’s no doubt that Sonny Styles’ future in the NFL will be bright, with the potential for a long and successful professional career awaiting him.
In the meantime, Styles remains committed to the Ohio State program, determined to help the Buckeyes reach the pinnacle of college football once again. His decision to return will go down as one of the defining moments in Ohio State football, ensuring that the 2025 season will be one to remember for fans, players, and scouts alike.