Sonny Styles Leads the Charge for Ohio State’s Defense in 2025, But It’s Another Linebacker Earning His Praise in Fall Camp

As fall camp heats up in Columbus, the Ohio State Buckeyes are working to sharpen their edge as they prepare to defend their Big Ten championship and mount a serious run at a national title. With a loaded roster returning for the 2025 season, the competition is fierce and the expectations even higher. One name that continues to generate buzz throughout camp is linebacker Sonny Styles. Already viewed as a foundational piece of the Buckeye defense, Styles has elevated his leadership presence, his physical dominance, and most interestingly, his praise for another emerging linebacker on the roster.

Styles, now entering his third season with Ohio State, has evolved into one of the most dynamic and versatile defenders in the country. At six-foot-four and over 230 pounds, he’s a rare combination of speed, power, and football IQ. Recruited initially as a safety, he has transitioned seamlessly into a linebacker-safety hybrid role that allows defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to weaponize his skill set all over the field. Whether he’s lining up near the line of scrimmage, dropping into coverage, or blitzing off the edge, Styles is capable of disrupting an offense from any angle.

Last year, Styles had a breakout season, finishing among the team’s leaders in tackles, tackles for loss, and passes defended. But heading into this season, the buzz surrounding him is no longer just about talent. It’s about leadership. Coaches and teammates alike have pointed to Styles as one of the emotional and vocal leaders of the defense. He sets the tone in the weight room, demands excellence in the film room, and leads by example on the field. And when a player like Styles speaks, people listen.

So it was particularly telling when, during early fall camp interviews, Styles diverted the spotlight away from himself and shined it directly on another linebacker in the room: Payton Pierce.

Pierce, a true freshman from Texas, has quietly — and quickly — become one of the most talked-about young players on the roster. While most outside attention has been focused on high-profile returners and other five-star prospects, those inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center say that Pierce has done more than just keep up — he’s thrived. From day one, he has carried himself like a veteran, showing advanced understanding of the playbook, natural instincts in reading plays, and a toughness that has earned the respect of his peers.

It’s that last trait — toughness — that seems to stand out most to Styles. During a recent media availability, he spoke with genuine excitement about what Pierce brings to the linebacker room. According to Styles, it’s not just the physicality or the tackling ability that impresses him, but the way Pierce approaches every rep. There’s a level of discipline and drive that’s rare for a freshman, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“Payton’s a dog,” Styles said. “He comes out here every day like he’s got something to prove — and honestly, he does. But what’s crazy is how mature he already is. You wouldn’t know he’s a freshman if you didn’t look at the roster.”

That kind of praise means something, especially coming from a player like Styles who’s known for setting a high standard. And Styles isn’t the only one taking notice. Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis — himself a former Buckeye great — has raved about the depth and talent in the room, naming Styles, Pierce, and fellow young linebacker Arvell Reese as key pieces in what could be one of the best linebacker corps Ohio State has fielded in years.

Laurinaitis has been clear: this isn’t just about filling roles — it’s about creating a defense that can dominate. And while Styles is clearly viewed as the cornerstone, Pierce’s emergence has given the Buckeyes an added dimension. He brings downhill aggression, a strong lower body that holds up in the run game, and a motor that never quits. What’s most exciting for the staff is that Pierce doesn’t need to be molded into something else. He already plays like an Ohio State linebacker.

Still, as much as Pierce has impressed, it’s the synergy between him and Styles that may end up being the key to unlocking the full potential of the defense. Styles has always been versatile, and with Pierce able to handle more traditional linebacker responsibilities, it frees Styles to move around more, creating mismatches and confusion for opposing offenses. The duo gives Knowles the flexibility to disguise coverages, bring exotic blitzes, and mix personnel without losing physicality or speed.

Of course, Ohio State’s defense is far from a two-man show. The return of veterans like Cody Simon adds experience and reliability, while Arvell Reese continues to develop into a major contributor. And let’s not forget about CJ Hicks — another athletic freak with elite upside. But what makes this linebacker unit different from years past is the sense of clarity and depth. There’s a balance of veterans who’ve seen it all, rising underclassmen who are hungry to prove themselves, and freshmen like Pierce who are already playing like seasoned vets.

The ripple effect of Styles’ leadership and Pierce’s rise is already being felt throughout the defense. The front seven looks as fast and violent as ever. The defensive line, led by JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, has benefitted from more cohesive linebacker play behind them. The secondary, with stars like Caleb Downs and Denzel Burke, can take more risks knowing that the second level of the defense is more secure. Everything is starting to sync.

And yet, despite all the talent, the Buckeyes are anything but complacent. Last year’s success set the foundation — but now, the goal is to finish. That means returning to the College Football Playoff, winning the Big Ten again, and this time, bringing home the national title. Players like Styles understand that legacy isn’t built on potential — it’s built on execution. And he’s making sure that message is heard in every linebacker meeting, every film session, and every practice rep.

As for Pierce, he isn’t just happy to be there — he wants to make an impact now. He’s not looking ahead to his sophomore season or waiting for a spot to open up. He’s fighting for playing time, pushing veterans in practice, and doing everything he can to be part of the rotation when the Buckeyes take the field for the season opener against Texas.

That kind of internal competition is exactly what Ryan Day wants. It’s what makes Ohio State different. While other programs might rely on experience alone or wait for youth to develop slowly, the Buckeyes embrace the pressure. They demand excellence now, and they put players in position to rise to the occasion. Pierce is doing exactly that.

In the end, it may be Sonny Styles who defines the heart of this defense, but he won’t do it alone. As the season nears, the spotlight will undoubtedly return to Styles — a likely All-American candidate and potential first-round pick. But his voice is also drawing attention to the future, and to a young linebacker who might just be ready to leave his own mark on a championship-caliber team.

The path to glory in college football is rarely smooth. It takes depth, grit, and stars willing to lift others around them. In Styles and Pierce, Ohio State might just have found the perfect blend of both.

And that’s exactly why the Buckeyes are feeling confident about what’s coming next.