Sonny Styles, a standout linebacker for Ohio State, made the pivotal decision to return for his senior season rather than enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite the likelihood of being a mid-round pick after a stellar 100-tackle season, Styles felt his journey as a Buckeye wasn’t complete.
“I wasn’t ready to leave yet,” Styles shared during Ohio State’s national championship celebration at Ohio Stadium. “I still have areas to improve, things to prove, and more to achieve with this team. Staying is the best choice for me right now.”
At 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Styles’ athleticism and versatility were on full display during his first season as Ohio State’s Will linebacker. He notched 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble. However, his inexperience, particularly in coverage, showed at times, as he allowed 43 receptions on 59 targets for 385 yards and a touchdown. With only one season at linebacker under his belt, another year at Ohio State offers him the chance to sharpen his skills and boost his draft stock.
Embracing Leadership
Styles’ return also places him in a key leadership position for the 2025 Buckeyes. As one of just three returning starters on defense and the most experienced senior to have spent his entire career with the team, he’s eager to step into a captain’s role. Inspired by Cody Simon, a 2024 team captain and fellow linebacker, Styles is determined to carry on the tradition of strong leadership.
“Cody Simon showed me what it means to be a leader,” Styles said. “Working alongside him every day was inspiring. Seeing how much he improved in his final year motivates me to do the same.”
Styles has set his sights on becoming a team captain, a goal he describes as one of his greatest ambitions. “Being voted captain is a huge honor. It shows what your teammates think of you, and that’s special. It’s about more than just being a good player; it’s about being someone they trust and respect.”
Leading a New Chapter for the Buckeyes
With fewer veteran starters returning in 2025, Styles’ leadership will be crucial. He’s one of six players from the 2024 starting lineup returning next season, alongside safety Caleb Downs, cornerback Davison Igbinosun, wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, and right guard Tegra Tshabola. Despite this, Styles is confident in Ohio State’s ability to defend its national championship title.
“We’re going to have a great team next year,” Styles said. “The way we played and coached in the College Football Playoff showed our potential. We attacked every game ferociously, and that’s the mindset we’ll carry forward.”
Styles acknowledged, however, that the 2025 Buckeyes must carve out their own identity. “This will be a new team with its own story to write. What we achieved in 2024 was incredible, but next season is a clean slate. It’s up to us to build something unique and continue the legacy.”
With the fire to lead and a vision for the future, Sonny Styles is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the 2025 Buckeyes as they aim for another championship run.
