Sonny Styles just made history inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Coming into the week, the Ohio State Buckeyes LB was No. 13 on USA TODAY Sports’ big board. But at 6’5, 244 pounds, he convinced scouts that he’s one of the best in the 2026 batch with his vertical jump.  

In a now-viral clip circulating on X, Sonny Styles exploded for a 43.5-inch vertical jump. That’s the best combine record for a player who weighs over 240 pounds. As for the height aspect, it’s the best that a 6’4 prospect recorded since 2003. But this isn’t the only exercise where he raised attention. 

Sonny Styles’ vertical trails only Cameron Wake’s 45.5-inch leap from 2005 among LBs in combine history. His 11’2 broad jump tied for the fourth-best among LBs since 1999. Then he ran an official 4.46 in the 40-yard dash at his weight, tying the record with his Buckeyes teammate Arvell Reese among LBs, edge rushers, and DLs for the fastest time of the day. The average LB 40 hovers around 4.54. 

The performance stands out even more when you compare it to names that are already thriving in the NFL. Sonny Styles measured taller than Mike Evans, ran faster than George Pickens’ 4.47, and his 1.56 10-yard split is better than Patrick Peterson’s 1.57. He jumped higher than Davante Adams’ 39.5” compared to his 43.5” and posted a broader jump than Derwin James Jr.’s 11’0” with his 11’2”. He even outweighed former pass rusher Trent Cole.

Styles is a case study on how to correctly develop raw talent over the years. He was actually a safety when he started as a true freshman back in 2022. In the 10 games he played, Styles logged in 9 tackles and 1 tackle for loss. Nothing to write home about. But then in 2023, his numbers went up. Across 13 games, Styles had 53 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble. Clear growth between year 1 and year 2.

But the staff at Ohio State realized his true skills were at the linebacker position. They moved him up and production went up drastically. In 2024, Styles reached the zenith of his college career with 100 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one recovery. That year also ended with Ohio State winning the Natty.

2025 can be considered a year of maturity for Styles. His numbers may have come down but his talent was there to see for everyone as he logged 82 total tackles, 6.5 for loss, a sack, an interception, three pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. He left Ohio State as a First-team All-American, First-team All-Big Ten selection, and a national champion after the 2024 CFP run. And now that the NFL is calling, he has been clear about how he views himself.

Styles is great in zone coverage as his years playing safety allow him to cover tight ends and slot receivers. He also shows leadership and high football IQ. But this doesn’t mean there aren’t any areas for improvement. Climbing linemen can sometimes get the best of him. There are also limitations when it comes to pass rush ability and ability to cover outside runs. None of these downsides have had any effect on his confidence though.

“I think I can play the MIKE, WILL, SAM,” Styles said at the combine. “I think I can do all three at a high level.” 

Styles also admitted he wants to be more effective in zone coverage. And that self-scouting is another plus point for the teams fighting over him, which brings us to a team quietly lurking in the top 10.

Could Sonny Styles fit with the Saints?

The New Orleans Saints sit at No. 8 overall, and they may have more reason than most to zero in on Sonny Styles. Veteran leader Demario Davis faces an uncertain contract situation, and there’s a real possibility that they need a new cornerstone LB. The Ohio State product’s versatility is a tempting trait. He can stack and shed in the run game, carry TEs up the seam, and blitz off the edge, which DC Brandon Staley views as a threat.

Sonny Styles has also handled the week like a pro. He was calm in interviews, direct with teams, and focused on fit over draft slots. He doesn’t want to be labeled just an athlete, but wants to be known as a smart football player who understands his role and executes it. That mindset, paired with historic testing and real college production, is why the buzz around Sonny Styles inside Lucas Oil Stadium has been loud. 

And when scouts start talking like that in late February, you know what comes next in April. His performance only raised his draft stock, as NFL teams will have more reason to fight for his presence on their team.