Sonny Styles Shatters NFL Combine Records with Historic 43.5-Inch Vertical Jump

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles didn't just participate in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine—he rewrote the record books. The 6-foot-4, 244-pound prospect posted a jaw-dropping 43.5-inch vertical jump, the highest ever recorded by a linebacker and the best mark by any player 6-foot-4 or taller since 2003. Combined with a blistering 4.46-second 40-yard dash and an 11-foot-2 broad jump, Styles' performance has transformed him from a solid prospect into a potential top-10 draft pick overnight.

How Sonny Styles Redefined Linebacker Athleticism at the Combine

When Sonny Styles stepped onto the Lucas Oil Stadium field in Indianapolis, scouts knew they were watching something special. According to ESPN's coverage, his 43.5-inch vertical wasn't just impressive—it was historic, surpassing every linebacker measurement since the combine began tracking the drill comprehensively. The Yahoo Sports analysis noted that Styles' vertical was only 1.5 inches off the all-time combine record, remarkable for a player of his size. His 4.46-second 40-yard dash, reported by NBC Sports as the fastest among linebackers, demonstrated rare speed for his position, while his 11-foot-2 broad jump showcased explosive lower-body power that left personnel executives scrambling to update their draft boards.

Timeline: How Sonny Styles Went from College Star to Combine Legend

The road to combine greatness began with Styles' 2025 season at Ohio State, where he recorded 46 tackles according to TSN's reporting. But his transformation into a combine phenomenon unfolded over three days in Indianapolis. On Day 1, Styles measured in at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds per Detroit Lions combine observations. Day 2 saw him dominate the athletic testing with his record vertical and elite 40-time. By Day 3, draft analysts were projecting him as a potential top-10 selection, with The Landry Hat noting he had "upended the Cowboys' draft plans" with his performance. The rapid ascent from college contributor to combine superstar has been one of the draft season's most dramatic developments.

Why Sonny Styles' Performance Changes Everything for NFL Teams

NFL Network's analysis highlighted that Styles' 43.5-inch vertical is the best by any player 6-foot-4 or taller since 2003, putting him in rare athletic company. For defensive coordinators, this translates to a linebacker who can match up with today's spread offenses—a former safety with coverage skills who now possesses prototype size and explosive traits. ESPN's draft experts noted that Styles "projects as a top-10 pick" after his combine performance, while Yahoo Sports' mock draft now has him going to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12 overall. The combination of size, speed, and athleticism at a premium position has made Styles one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 draft class.

The Styles Family Dominance: Brother Lorenzo's Record-Setting Day

Sonny wasn't the only Styles brother making headlines in Indianapolis. His brother, Ohio State safety Lorenzo Styles Jr., blazed a 4.27-second 40-yard dash according to NBC Sports, becoming the first player at the 2026 combine to break the 4.3-second barrier. The siblings—both sons of former NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles—created one of the most memorable family performances in combine history. Their father, who played for Ohio State in the 1990s before a five-year NFL career, watched as his sons put on an athletic display that surpassed even his own accomplishments, creating a unique three-generation football legacy.

Where Things Stand Now: Sonny Styles' Draft Stock After the Combine

Following his historic combine performance, Sonny Styles has solidified himself as a first-round lock with top-10 potential. The Landry Hat reported that Styles has "forced his way into the conversation for the New York Jets" after his workout, while multiple mock drafts now project him to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS), a metric that compares combine performances across positions, reportedly reached a perfect 10.0—a rare achievement that places him among the most athletic prospects ever evaluated. Teams needing linebacker help, particularly those running defensive schemes that value coverage ability, have moved Styles to the top of their boards.

What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Sonny Styles

With the combine behind him, Styles will focus on Ohio State's Pro Day and private workouts with NFL teams. His performance has likely earned him invitations to top-30 visits with multiple franchises, where he'll have the opportunity to demonstrate his football IQ and schematic versatility. Draft analysts will be watching to see if he can maintain his momentum through the pre-draft process, as teams conduct more extensive medical evaluations and film study. Given his combine performance and college production, Styles appears poised to be one of the first defensive players selected in April's draft, with the potential to make an immediate impact as a three-down linebacker in the NFL.

Key Takeaways from Sonny Styles' Combine Domination

• Historic 43.5-inch vertical jump—best by a linebacker and highest for any player 6-foot-4 or taller since 2003
• Blazing 4.46-second 40-yard dash, fastest among linebackers at the combine
• Projected as a top-10 draft pick after performance, with Cowboys at No. 12 a popular projection
• Brother Lorenzo Styles Jr. ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash, making them the combine's most athletic siblings
• Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton humorously reacted to being compared to Styles, saying he got "framemogged"