Ohio State’s Lorenzo Styles Sets Record with 4.27 40-Yard Dash at NFL Combine
Safety Lorenzo Styles turned heads at the NFL Combine, recording the fastest 40-yard dash by any Ohio State player in history and cementing himself as a potential draft prospect.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
Ohio State safety Lorenzo Styles made a statement at the NFL Combine on Friday in Indianapolis, blazing through the 40-yard dash in 4.27 seconds. The mark not only set a new record for Ohio State Buckeyes participants but also drew immediate attention from scouts and NFL personnel.
Before the Combine, Styles was not widely regarded as a high-profile draft prospect. His college career, split between Notre Dame and Ohio State, had not featured standout statistics or national recognition. Yet his speed and athleticism put him on the map as teams begin to evaluate late-round and developmental talent.
Styles’ time also stood out among defensive backs. He ran faster than all others at his position, including his brother, Sonny Styles, and Arvel Reese, both of whom recorded 4.46-second 40-yard dashes. While his brother and Reese are projected first-round picks, Lorenzo Styles’ record-breaking performance gives him a chance to make an impression in the draft.
With scouts taking notice, Styles now hopes that his combination of speed and work ethic will translate into an NFL opportunity, potentially opening the door for him to contribute at safety and on special teams.
1. Record-Setting Speed
The 4.27-second 40-yard dash was historic for both Ohio State and the NFL Combine. No Buckeye has ever run the 40 faster, and Styles’ time is the fastest recorded by a safety at the Combine since 2003. His performance immediately separated him from his peers at the Combine. Defensive backs are evaluated on agility, change-of-direction skills, and speed, and Styles’ explosive dash showcased elite athleticism that scouts can’t ignore. Breaking the Ohio State record also puts him in rare company, considering the program’s history of producing NFL talent. The timing will likely factor heavily into draft boards, particularly for teams seeking a speedster in the secondary. Styles’ comparison to his brother and other Ohio State standouts highlights the leap he made at the Combine. While Sonny Styles and Arvel Reese are projected early picks, Lorenzo demonstrated measurable upside that could elevate his draft stock considerably.
2. College Career and Development
Despite his speed, Styles’ college resume has been modest. He initially played at Notre Dame Fighting Irish before transferring to Ohio State, where he participated in 16 games during the 2024 national championship season. That year, he recorded 16 tackles and four passes defensed. In 2025, he improved slightly, tallying 30 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and three passes defensed. While these numbers are not eye-popping, they reflect steady contribution and room for growth at the next level. Ohio State provided a platform for development, exposing Styles to high-level competition in the Big Ten and preparing him for NFL-style schemes. His experience in different defensive systems also contributes to his versatility and potential value as a professional. NFL scouts may view his limited production as a developmental project, but when paired with elite speed, the combination is compelling. Teams often target prospects like Styles who can contribute on special teams while learning a more prominent role.
3. NFL Aspirations and Mindset
Styles is confident that his time at Ohio State, combined with the opportunity to display his athleticism at the Combine, has prepared him for the challenges of the NFL. In interviews, he emphasized the importance of perseverance, special teams play, and learning from adversity. “I definitely wanted to do more, but I feel like everything turned out the way it was supposed to be,” Styles said, according to Dan Hope of ElevenWarriors.com. “Having the opportunity to go to Ohio State, I feel like it’s developed me and prepared me for the NFL.” His approach signals maturity and adaptability, qualities that NFL teams value beyond raw athleticism. Styles understands that starting immediately may not be realistic, but contributing on special teams could be the first step in a sustainable career. As the draft approaches, Styles’ record-setting 40-yard dash has put him on the radar of multiple teams. While questions remain about his on-field production, his combination of speed, athleticism, and mindset may be enough to earn him a roster spot in 2026.