Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles broke records at the 2026 NFL Combine, posting the best vertical jump in linebacker history while tying for the fastest 40-yard dash time at his position.
The 6-foot-5, 244-pound defender was already projected as a high draft pick entering the combine. His performance validated that status and then some.
Styles finished his college career with 245 total tackles, nine sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception.
Record-Breaking Vertical Jump
Styles leaped 43.5 inches in the vertical jump, setting an all-time record for linebackers at the combine.
The jump went viral on social media as fans marveled at seeing a player his size reach that height.
Sonny Styles’ 43.5 vertical jump. Insane. pic.twitter.com/09hgEp8zrU
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) February 26, 2026
Elite Broad Jump Performance
Styles’ 11-foot-2-inch broad jump tied for fourth all-time among linebackers. While it didn’t break records like his vertical jump, the distance further showcased his explosiveness.
.@OhioStateFB LB Sonny Styles putting up insane numbers already:
– 11’2″ broad jump (T-4th all-time among LBs)
– 43.5″ vertical jump (best all-time among LBs)2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/3Nshgb2Dyb— NFL (@NFL) February 26, 2026
Speed Matches Power
Styles ran an unofficial 4.49 seconds on his first 40-yard dash attempt. At the time, it ranked second-fastest among linebackers.
Ohio State LB Sonny Styles runs a 4.49 40-yard dash.
Adding to a fantastic day. pic.twitter.com/S3iHtIfpTi
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) February 27, 2026
His second attempt clocked an unofficial 4.47 seconds. The official time of 4.46 seconds tied him with college teammate Arvell Reese for fastest among linebackers.
SONNY. STYLES.
The @OhioStateFB answers back with a 4.47u for himself.
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/TLaMhaJtb5— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2026
Perfect Athletic Score
Styles received a 10.00 Relative Athletic Score from Kent Lee Platte’s RAS system. The metric grades draft prospects based on their combine and pro day performance relative to position history.
He ranks first out of 3,215 linebackers measured since 1987.
The score remains unofficial as Styles hasn’t completed all combine events, including agility drills and bench press. But he’s currently on pace for the highest RAS score ever recorded for a linebacker.
Sonny Styles is a LB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 10.00 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 3215 LB from 1987 to 2026.
Splits projected, all times unofficial, agilities left, bench tmrw, but 10.00 RAS watch is officially on!… pic.twitter.com/f2JFhymsXH
— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 27, 2026
Styles still has on-field workouts remaining to showcase his football skills. His combine performance has likely solidified his status as a first-round pick in April’s draft.
