Ohio State Star Lands Most Flabbergasting NFL Draft Take Yet

In the high-stakes world of NFL Draft preparation, few things are more certain than a projected first-round pick cashing in on their opportunity. But Ohio State linebacker and hybrid defensive weapon Sonny Styles stunned the football world with what many are calling the most flabbergasting NFL Draft take of the year—maybe even the decade. In a move no one saw coming, Styles announced his return to Columbus for the 2025 season, passing on what would’ve been a sure shot at the NFL’s millions.

A Shockwave Across the Draft Landscape

At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds with elite sideline-to-sideline speed, instincts beyond his years, and the versatility to play linebacker, safety, or even rush the passer, Styles had skyrocketed up draft boards during the 2024 college football season. He was widely projected to be a top-20 pick in nearly every major mock draft.

So when the news broke that Styles was passing on the draft, the response was instant.

“You’re telling me a guy with first-round tape, elite physical tools, and a playoff résumé is returning to school? In this NIL era? This is unheard of,” one NFL scout told The Athletic.

Even Ohio State insiders were caught off guard. According to sources close to the program, head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles were under the impression that Styles would declare for the draft. They had even begun preparing for life without him.

Instead, Styles flipped the script.

Sonny’s Statement: Loyalty, Legacy, and a Little Bit More

“I’m not finished,” Styles said in a social media video that instantly went viral. “I came to Ohio State to win a national championship, to be the best version of myself, and to leave a legacy—not just as a player, but as a man. I’m not ready to go yet.”

Styles’ video was filled with clips of him sacking Michigan’s quarterback, forcing a fumble in the College Football Playoff semifinal, and intercepting a key pass late in the season. It ended with a simple message: “One more year.”

According to reports, Styles turned down significant NIL deals to declare—some sources estimate endorsement and licensing deals that could have made him $2–3 million even without stepping onto an NFL field.

“He knows what he’s worth,” said Styles’ father, former NFL first-round pick Lorenzo Styles Sr. “But this was never about just the money. He wants to grow, to lead, and to finish what he started.”

The 2024 Season That Set It All in Motion

Styles was dominant in 2024. He racked up 100 total tackles, 11 for loss, 6 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and 5 pass deflections. But it wasn’t just the raw stats—it was how he impacted games.

Against Penn State, Styles had 13 tackles, a strip sack, and a game-sealing interception. In The Game versus Michigan, he was arguably the best player on the field for either team, routinely sniffing out screens, jamming tight ends, and blowing up run plays in the backfield.

Then came the Playoff semifinal, where Styles again played like a man possessed—10 tackles, 2 sacks, and a deflected pass on fourth down to seal the win.

He was trending as one of the safest, highest-upside defensive prospects in the draft. So why stay?

“A Dying Breed”: The Rare Player Who Waits

Styles’ decision bucks the trend in the current landscape of college football. In an era of early declarations, transfer portal movement, and massive NIL contracts, most players opt for financial security the moment it becomes available. Even among those who return for a final season, few walk away from first-round draft guarantees.

ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller called Styles “a dying breed.”

“This kid is built like an NFL linebacker, moves like a DB, plays with fire—and he’s still just 20. He’d be a top-20 pick. But he’s coming back because he wants to finish a mission? You just don’t see that anymore,” Miller said.

NFL veteran and Fox analyst Emmanuel Acho added his take: “We praise guys for chasing the bag. But Sonny is chasing greatness. That’s different.”

The Ripple Effects at Ohio State

With Styles back, Ohio State’s defense could be the best in the country in 2025. Paired with sophomore sensation linebacker Arvell Reese, veteran D-lineman Jack Sawyer, and a talented secondary led by Denzel Burke, the Buckeyes are already drawing comparisons to Georgia’s 2021 national title defense.

“It changes everything,” said DC Jim Knowles. “We were already going to be good, but Sonny’s the glue. He’s our Troy Polamalu. Our Isaiah Simmons. You can build around a guy like that.”

Teammates are already rallying around the return. Quarterback Devin Brown said Styles’ decision “lit a fire in the locker room,” while wide receiver Carnell Tate said, “If he’s coming back to win it all, we all are.”

Scouts React: “Unreal, but Respect”

NFL evaluators had a wide range of reactions.

“He’s betting on himself, and you respect that. But he also risks injury, and if his play regresses or he gets exposed, it could cost him millions,” one anonymous AFC executive told Pro Football Focus.

Another NFC scout offered a more optimistic view: “There’s a leadership void in the NFL. Guys like Sonny? They win you games with culture. If anything, he just solidified himself as a future captain. That might increase his value.”

One thing nearly everyone agreed on—Styles will be one of the most closely watched prospects in 2025.

What He Still Wants to Prove

In interviews, Styles has admitted he’s not a finished product. While physically gifted, he believes there’s more to learn about reading offenses, improving pass coverage, and working within multiple fronts.

“Coach Knowles has challenged me to become a complete player. That’s what I want. I want to dominate every phase,” he said.

Styles also wants a national title. Ohio State hasn’t won it all since 2014, and after a heartbreaking loss to Washington in the 2024 CFP final, he says that pain “will never leave.”

“I remember that locker room. I remember the seniors crying. I want to change that memory for us, for this program.”

NIL Is Keeping Stars Like Styles in School

While some were surprised by his return, the influence of NIL can’t be ignored. Multiple insiders confirmed that Styles has already inked deals with several Columbus-area companies, and national brands are interested in marketing him as a “throwback star” who values loyalty and legacy.

“He’s not hurting financially,” one source said. “And if they win it all next year? He might be worth even more in the draft and in NIL.”

It’s a new world in college football—where the decision between declaring and returning is no longer just about escaping poverty or securing a signing bonus.

Could It Start a Trend?

Styles’ decision may open the door for other elite prospects to stay longer, especially if they have team goals or branding opportunities that outweigh early NFL entry.

“I’m watching closely,” Alabama safety Caleb Downs said when asked about his own draft prospects. “Sonny’s setting a tone. That kind of move shows maturity. We’ll see how it plays out.”

Some analysts believe it could lead to more “gap year dominance” seasons, where future pros return with one goal: win everything and elevate their legacy.

Betting on Himself

Sonny Styles isn’t chasing headlines. He’s not seeking approval. He’s made a decision that defies NFL logic, challenges the norms of college football, and sets a new precedent for what it means to be “draft-ready.”

He could’ve walked away with a seven-figure signing bonus. Instead, he’s walking back into the Horseshoe with a mission.

Legacy over luxury. Team over timeline. Growth over guarantees.

And that, in this era of football, might just be the most flabbergasting—and inspiring—draft take yet.