Why Ohio State football depends so heavily on Sonny Styles’ NFL Draft selection

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws nearer, college football programs across the country are bracing themselves for the eventual departures of their star players. For Ohio State, one of the most storied football programs in the nation, the focus is on Sonny Styles, a player who represents not only the future of the Buckeyes but also the potential next step in their championship aspirations. Styles, a safety who possesses all the tools to be an elite NFL prospect, is projected to be a top pick in the upcoming draft, and Ohio State’s success in the coming years will depend heavily on what happens with his selection.

From the standpoint of a team that has consistently recruited top talent, the Buckeyes have faced a unique crossroads with Styles. His departure could leave a gaping hole in the secondary, and with the program’s high expectations each year, Ohio State will need him to live up to his potential this season. Let’s take a closer look at why Sonny Styles’ NFL Draft selection is so critical to Ohio State football and what his future holds for the team in the short and long term.

Sonny Styles: The Player and the Prospect

Sonny Styles is one of the most highly regarded safety prospects in the country. Coming out of Pickerington, Ohio, Styles has long been considered a once-in-a-generation talent. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ has made him a standout from the moment he stepped onto the Ohio State campus. At 6’4″ and 215 pounds, he possesses the ideal frame for a modern safety, blending the athleticism of a cornerback with the physicality of a linebacker.

Styles’ talent was evident from his early days at Ohio State. He joined the program as a highly rated recruit and quickly earned playing time as a freshman. His versatility in the secondary, ability to cover tight ends, disrupt the passing game, and shut down the run has made him one of the most important players in the Buckeyes’ defensive schemes. Styles has the potential to be a game-changer, someone who can make an impact in a variety of ways—from playing deep safety to coming down into the box as an enforcer against the run.

For all of his natural abilities, Styles’ development at Ohio State has been shaped by the guidance of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who has transformed the Buckeyes’ defense since his arrival. Knowles, known for his aggressive schemes and adaptability, has made Ohio State’s defense one of the most formidable in the nation, and Styles has thrived within it. His ability to play multiple roles in the defensive backfield is a key asset to Knowles’ system, and it’s a reason why he is regarded as a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft.

The Importance of Styles to Ohio State’s Defense

Ohio State’s defense, particularly its secondary, has been a strength of the team in recent years. However, with key losses, including top-tier cornerbacks and safeties, the Buckeyes will need Styles to anchor the unit. He has already shown that he can be a leader on the field, and his ability to fill the void left by departing stars will be pivotal to the defense’s continued success.

For Ohio State to challenge for a national title, they need elite talent at every level of their defense. In the secondary, Styles provides a level of playmaking that is difficult to replicate. Whether it’s breaking up passes, making crucial interceptions, or making timely tackles, his presence on the field raises the level of play for the entire defense. As one of the most highly touted safeties in the country, Styles’ decision to enter the NFL Draft, as well as his potential for the Buckeyes this season, will shape how strong Ohio State’s defense can be moving forward.

The NFL Draft Implications: A Potential First-Round Selection

Given the trajectory of his college career, Sonny Styles is a prime candidate for a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The safety position has become increasingly important in the modern NFL, especially as teams utilize more spread offenses and pass-heavy schemes. The demand for safeties who can both cover ground in the passing game and make plays at the line of scrimmage has never been higher.

Styles’ ability to excel in both areas has made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams. His coverage skills, combined with his ability to play physical football against the run, allow him to fit seamlessly into a number of defensive schemes at the professional level. NFL teams are always on the lookout for versatile players who can contribute in a variety of ways, and Styles offers exactly that. Given his high ceiling, many mock drafts have pegged him as a first-round selection, with some even predicting him to be a top-10 pick.

For Ohio State, the NFL Draft’s outcome will have significant consequences. If Styles is selected high in the first round, the program will receive even greater recognition and validation for developing top-tier talent. On the other hand, Styles’ departure will create a sense of urgency for Ohio State to reload and continue building strong recruiting classes to fill any gaps he leaves behind.

The Immediate Impact on Ohio State’s Championship Window

Ohio State has long been in the conversation as one of the top programs in college football. Their recruiting success, particularly under head coach Ryan Day, has made them a constant contender for the College Football Playoff and national championships. However, as with any elite program, the difference between winning a national title and falling short often comes down to key individual performances.

For the Buckeyes in 2025, the Sonny Styles-led defense will likely be the driving force behind their pursuit of a national championship. With the defensive backfield needing a leader, Styles is the ideal player to fill that role. His ability to match up against dynamic offenses in the Big Ten and across the country will be crucial as the team navigates a grueling schedule and aims for the College Football Playoff.

If Styles performs at the level expected of him, it’s reasonable to assume that Ohio State’s defense will be one of the best in the nation. This could position the Buckeyes for a playoff berth and, ultimately, a national title run. On the flip side, if Styles decides to declare for the NFL Draft after this season, it will be a blow to Ohio State’s championship aspirations. The team will have to find ways to compensate for his absence, likely relying on younger players who have yet to prove themselves at the highest level of college football.

The Pressure on Ohio State’s Defense Without Styles

While Ohio State has recruited exceptional talent, the loss of a player like Styles can still create significant challenges for the defense. Depth and experience will be tested, and the coaching staff will have to adapt quickly to account for his departure. With the defensive backfield and linebacker corps both undergoing changes in personnel, Ohio State will need emerging players to step up in a big way.

Key players like Lathan Ransom and Jahquez Robinson will need to play at a high level to ensure the defensive backfield doesn’t lose its cohesion. However, there’s no easy replacement for a player with the all-around skills and leadership that Styles provides. His absence could leave a hole that will be hard to fill, especially against high-powered offenses that the Buckeyes face on a weekly basis in the Big Ten.

Additionally, without Styles in the fold, Ohio State’s defense may find itself facing an uphill battle in critical games, particularly against teams like Michigan, Penn State, and other top-tier programs. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles would need to shift his strategy to adapt to the loss of one of his most dynamic playmakers.

The Bigger Picture: Ohio State’s Legacy in Producing NFL Talent

The potential NFL Draft selection of Sonny Styles highlights a key aspect of Ohio State’s football program: its ability to develop NFL-caliber talent. Over the years, Ohio State has consistently produced a pipeline of talent to the NFL, with numerous Buckeyes finding success at the professional level. From quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins to defensive stars like Chase Young and Jeff Okudah, Ohio State has built a reputation as a program that prepares players for the highest level of competition.

The success of Sonny Styles in the NFL will only continue to elevate Ohio State’s standing in college football. A successful NFL career would add to the program’s legacy and further solidify its place as one of the premier football factories in the country. Styles represents the next wave of Buckeye talent that could leave a lasting impact on both college and professional football.

The Weight of Sonny Styles’ NFL Draft Decision

In the grand scheme of things, the NFL Draft selection of Sonny Styles will have a monumental impact on Ohio State football. The Buckeyes are at a crossroads where their defense’s success depends largely on the development of players like Styles, who can provide the necessary leadership and playmaking ability to push Ohio State into the national championship conversation.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Buckeyes will be watching closely, knowing that Styles’ potential first-round selection could serve as a turning point in their pursuit of another national title. Whether he stays for one more season or declares early for the draft, Sonny Styles’ influence on Ohio State’s football future cannot be overstated. His decision will be one of the most closely followed stories of the upcoming season, and it will ultimately shape the direction of both Ohio State’s defense and their championship ambitions.