Sonny Styles

Full Name: Sonny Styles

Date of Birth: November 13, 2004

Age (as of May 2025): 20

Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio

High School: Pickerington Central High School (Pickerington, OH)

Current School: Ohio State Buckeyes football

Conference: Big Ten Conference

Academic Major: Not publicly disclosed

Years at School: Entering 3rd year (Junior class standing in 2025)

Transfer History: None

Redshirt Status: Did not redshirt (reclassified and enrolled early)

Eligibility Remaining: Two seasons (2025, 2026)

FootBall Information

Position(s) Played: Linebacker

Primary Position: Hybrid Defender

Pro Position Projection: Weakside Linebacker Hybrid

Jersey Number: #0

Starter or Backup: Multi-year contributor; full-time defensive role (2023–present)

Team Captain Status: Not publicly disclosed

Games Played / Started:

  • 2022: 13 games (0 starts)

    2023: 13 games (8 starts)

    2024: 13 games (12 starts)

Injury History: none reported

Suspensions/Disciplinary Issues: None reported

Coach History:

  • Head Coach: Ryan Day

    Defensive Coordinator: Jim Knowles

    Safeties Coach: Perry Eliano

Physical

Measurements

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 243 lbs

Arm Length: pending combine

Hand Size: pending combine

Wingspan: pending combine

summary

summary

Sonny Styles is a rare size-speed hybrid defender with elite physical tools and position versatility. At 6'4", 230 lbs, Styles carries a long, muscular frame that blends linebacker mass with defensive back range.

Initially recruited as a safety, he has evolved into a hybrid chess piece capable of aligning in the box, over tight ends, in big-nickel looks, or even as a blitzer off the edge. Styles wins with physicality, closing burst, and disruptive length.

While still refining deep coverage instincts and play recognition consistency, his athletic profile and positional flexibility make him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the 2026 class.