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Sonny Styles generates huge buzz with 2026 NFL Scouting Combine performance - NFL.com

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles generated a huge buzz with his historic speed and leaping ability at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday.

SportsBy Marcus ThompsonFebruary 27, 20262 min read

Last updated: April 2, 2026, 9:14 PM

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Sonny Styles generates huge buzz with 2026 NFL Scouting Combine performance - NFL.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- Ohio State's Sonny Styles put on a show at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, posting breathtaking numbers in the jumping events and 40-yard dash.

At 43 1/2 inches, the 6-5, 244-pound linebacker had the highest vertical jump by any player 6-4 or taller and any player weighing 240 or more pounds at the combine since at least 2003.

Styles' broad jump of 11-foot-2 wasn't too shabby, either. It led all combine participants on Thursday and in recent history, was only topped by Jamie Collins (11-7 in 2013), Bud Dupree (11-6 in 2015) and Willie Gay Jr. (11-4 in 2020) among linebackers.

Styles ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds, which tied his Buckeyes teammate Arvell Reese for the fastest time of all the defensive linemen and linebackers who participated on Thursday.

Styles is the only player to run a sub-4.5 40-yard dash with a vertical of 40+ inches and a broad jump of 11+ feet at 230 or more pounds since 2003, per NFL Research.

In 14 starts for the Buckeyes last season, Styles had 82 tackles (6.5 for losses), one sack and one forced fumble in 14 starts. His father, Lorenzo Styles Sr., played six NFL seasons and was part of the Rams' Super Bowl XXXIV-winning team.

Styles entered the week having earned buzz as a potential top-10 pick. The way his combine showing went Thursday night, that might be a lock come April.

MT
Marcus Thompson

Sports Correspondent

Marcus Thompson is a sports correspondent covering the NFL, NBA, and major American sporting events. A former college athlete and sports journalism veteran, he has covered five Super Bowls and multiple NBA Finals. His player profiles and game analysis are known for their depth and insight.

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