Sonny Styles pulled no punches when speaking on who is going to be Ohio State football’s next star defender in Columbus under Matt Patricia
Sonny Styles was asked about the future outlook of the Buckeyes while at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia being extended and sticking around for at least another season is great news for the Ohio State Buckeyes and having some continuity.
Patrica came in and coached up a top-flight defense in 2025 and the Buckeyes were first in both yards and points allowed per game. Patricia also walked into a job with a very talented defense already.
In Year 2 at Ohio State, things get a bit more interesting for Patricia. Gone are players like S Caleb Downs, LB Arvell Reese, and LB Sonny Styles, so Patricia will be relying on some new faces in 2026.
Sonny Styles doesn’t hold back on who he thinks is going to be a star for Ohio State’s defense
The NFL Scouting Combine is taking place this week and the players mentioned are all in Indianapolis. Styles stood at the podium on Wednesday morning and he was asked who he believes is the next star defender in Columbus.
“I feel like Payton Pierce is gonna be the next guy up for us at linebacker,” Styles stated. “He’s a dawg, man. He’s physical, he’s smart, he plays fast, he plays hard. He’s got great instincts, he understands the defense, he communicates well.”
He’s just a baller. I think he’s gonna have a big year for us next year. He’s ready to take that next step and be that guy that we can rely on.”
Pierce was Ohio State’s third linebacker last season when they would have three out on the field behind Reese and Styles. The Texas native is entering his third season at Ohio State where players typically make a jump. Pierce is coming off a season where he recorded 43 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble. The forced fumble came in the College Football Playoff loss to Miami.
James Lauriniatis has long been high on the player Pierce can be for the Buckeyes. While he may not be the fastest or most athletic, Pierce tackles everything and is a student of the game. The motor he operates with should allow for a big 2026 season when he slides into a clear starting role.
Ohio State brought in LB Christian Alliegro from Wisconsin and he’ll play a role for the Buckeyes. The sophomore duo of Riley Pettijohn and Tarvos Alford is also expected to play a role for Ohio State as well. The most experienced player in Ohio State’s system is Pierce returning at the position, so he has a leg up.
Spring football starts up in a couple of weeks and watch for Pierce to be a name you hear a lot out of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. After four years in Columbus, Styles likely knows a thing or two about what’s coming for the Buckeyes.