Ryan Day Backs Sonny Styles as Former Buckeye Eyes Top NFL Draft Pick

As Sonny Styles closes the chapter on his collegiate career at Ohio State, attention now shifts to his future in the NFL, where he is widely projected as a potential early selection in the 2026 draft. The former Buckeyes standout has built a reputation as one of the most versatile and physically gifted defenders in the class.

Among those advocating for his success is his former head coach, Ryan Day, who has been publicly emphasizing Styles’ development and elite athletic traits. Day has taken time during media appearances to reflect on the player’s journey and potential at the next level.

Speaking Wednesday on This Is Football with Kevin Clark, Day shared a personal story illustrating just how unusual Styles’ athletic ability was from a young age. The anecdote centered on an early moment that left a lasting impression on the coach.

That story, while lighthearted, underscored a broader theme that has followed Styles throughout his career: his rare combination of size, speed, and explosiveness that set him apart even before reaching college.

1. A Defining Early Moment of Athleticism

Day recalled first noticing the athletic potential of Styles during recruiting visits involving his older brother, Lorenzo. Those early interactions gave him repeated glimpses of the family’s athletic talent. The moment that stood out most, however, came during a casual basketball game in Ohio State’s indoor facility. What began as a playful one-on-one challenge quickly became a defining memory for the coach. According to Day, Styles—then still in eighth grade—took just a couple of dribbles before finishing with a dunk over the head coach. The moment immediately ended any thought of continued competition between the two. Day joked that it was the last time he ever played basketball, emphasizing both the humor and the unmistakable athletic ceiling Styles already possessed at such a young age.

2. Multi-Sport Star Turned Defensive Standout

Before focusing solely on football, Styles was a standout multi-sport athlete at Pickerington Central High School in Ohio. He played both basketball and football at a high level, showcasing his versatility across two competitive programs. On the basketball court, he partnered with future Ohio State player Devin Royal to lead Pickerington Central to a state championship, further cementing his reputation as an elite all-around athlete. Ultimately, Styles chose to pursue football at the collegiate level, committing to Ohio State as one of the most highly regarded defensive prospects in his class. The decision set the stage for a rapid ascent within the Buckeyes program. His early enrollment and physical readiness allowed him to see playing time as a freshman in 2022, marking the beginning of his transition into a key defensive contributor.

3. Rapid Rise and NFL Expectations

By 2023, Styles had earned a starting role at safety, where his athletic range and physicality became immediate assets for Ohio State’s defense. His versatility continued to define his role as his career progressed. In 2025, he transitioned to linebacker, a move that showcased both his adaptability and his ability to thrive closer to the line of scrimmage. That shift culminated in first-team All-American recognition. NFL evaluators have taken notice of his size-speed combination and positional flexibility, with expectations that he could be selected early in the upcoming draft. His stock reflects both production and projection at the next level. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches on April 23, Styles enters the process with strong backing from his former coach and growing anticipation around where his rare athletic profile will land him.