Ohio State owns the Combine: Sonny Styles headlines Buckeyes’ takeover in Indianapolis
As usual, Ohio State produced some incredible defensive prospects, and that was never more apparent than it was on Thursday night at the NFL Combine.
For a few hours Thursday night, the NFL Combine looked like an Ohio State pro day with two standout Buckeye defenders showing out on the first night of workouts.
Three linebackers ran a sub 4.5 40-yard dash 👀
— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2026
T-1. @OhioStateFB LB Sonny Styles: 4.46
T-1. @OhioStateFB LB Arvell Reese: 4.46
3. @TCUFootball Kaleb Elarms-Orr: 4.47@EAMaddenNFL | @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/SJRt7zWwRm
The Buckeyes’ defensive factory
Sonny Styles puts on a show
Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles was the first to shine. The 6′5″, 244-pound linebacker delivered one of the most jaw-dropping workouts in recent combine history.
- 4.46-second 40-yard dash
- 43.5-inch vertical
- 11-foot-2 broad jump
Styles became the only player since 2003 to run a sub-4.5 40 while posting a 40+ inch vertical and 11+ foot broad jump at 230+ pounds. Coming in as a projected top-10 pick, Styles may have solidified that status. Some evaluators now believe he pushed himself into legitimate top-five consideration. And he wasn’t alone.
Arvell Reese matched Styles stride for stride
While Styles stole headlines, linebacker Arvell Reese matched him in the 40-yard dash. The 20-year-old linebacker also clocked a blazing 4.46, tying for the fastest time among linebackers and defensive linemen Thursday.
For a Buckeyes linebacker duo to post identical elite times on the same night? That’s not normal. It reinforced what NFL teams already believed. Ohio State’s defensive pipeline remains as strong as ever.
Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese
— PFF (@PFF) February 27, 2026
The Buckeyes were the two fastest LBs at the Combine 💨 pic.twitter.com/fF0pEQhtTY
Under Ryan Day, the Ohio State Buckeyes have consistently produced NFL-ready defenders, from edge rushers to corners to hybrid safeties.
Styles, a former safety turned linebacker, embodies that evolution. He moves like a defensive back in a linebacker’s body, and the modern NFL loves that. His performance likely locks him inside the top 10, if not higher.
Reese showcased similar versatility and range, giving teams more proof that Columbus remains a defensive talent hub. He may have vaulted himself into strong Day 2 consideration.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment