In a surprising turn of events, Ohio State football received a major boost when standout linebacker Sonny Styles announced he would return for his senior season after the Buckeyes’ national championship victory.
Styles made his decision public via X on Friday, expressing his eagerness to achieve even more with Ohio State. “This was a dream season, here in Columbus. My teammates, coaches, & training staff accomplished exactly what we said we would. It’s an honor to play for The Ohio State. I’m not done yet. I’m here to stay. Let’s run it back,” he said.
The 2024 season was a breakout year for Styles, who finished with career-high numbers across the board—100 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 5 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 forced fumble.
For Ohio State, having Styles return is a critical boost as they look to reload following their national title victory. The Buckeyes capped a successful season with a 14-2 record, showing resilience despite losses to Oregon and Michigan. Their offense thrived, averaging 35.7 points per game with 429.4 total yards per contest, while their defense allowed just 12.9 points per game and limited opponents to 254.6 yards.
With the championship secured, Ohio State now heads into the offseason with the goal of staying atop college football. Styles’ decision to stay is a key piece in ensuring that the Buckeyes continue their dominance in the 2025 season.
