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Sonny Styles’ real name is Alex Styles. His father, Lorenzo Styles, gave Alex the nickname “Sonny” after the character Santino “Sonny” Corleone from the “Godfather” movies because of his fiery temperament when he was around 3 years old. It is a nickname that has stuck with him ever since. Lorenzo Styles was a linebacker at Ohio State from 1991-94. He spent six seasons in the NFL and has been a defensive assistant coach with Pickerington Central since 2012. His father won Super Bowl XXXIV with the St. Louis Rams. Style’s brother, Lorenzo Styles Jr., was a national-level recruit and is now a receiver at Notre Dame. Styles has another sibling, Tonia. Styles says he is very invested in his relationship with God.

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Ohio State Buckeyes

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COLUMBUS — On Tuesday, Ohio State had two players on the preseason watch list for the Nagurski Award, which is given annually to the top defensive

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Lettermen Row Football

Two Buckeyes named to preseason Nagurski Award watch list

Ohio State had 14 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and are returning just nine total starters. Simply put, the Buckeyes are young and, in some

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Ohio State Buckeyes Football

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Phil Steele released his preseason All-Big Ten teams ahead of the 2025 college football season. He went from first to fourth teams across the

Phil Steele releases Preseason All-Big Ten Teams ahead of 2025 season

On3 Football

COLUMBUS — Ohio State is the biggest draw every July at Big Ten Media Days, when all 18 teams send their head coaches and select players to speak to

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

Ohio State sending three superstars to speak at Big Ten Media Days

Athlon Sports released its preseason All-Big Ten team for the 2025 college football season. There are plenty of stars to go around, so get ready to

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HuskerOnline Football

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Inside Texas Football

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"Ultimate pro" Sonny Styles stepping into major leadership role for Buckeyes defense

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After Urban Meyer won the inaugural four-team College Football Playoff in 2014, the Ohio State head coach spent the following days calling recruits

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Lettermen Row Football Recruiting

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College Football Playoff

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COLUMBUS — Ohio State started slowly on Saturday, trailing Northwestern 7-0 early in the second quarter. From there, though, the Buckeyes dominated

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Scarlet Sunrise: Buckeyes reveal players of game from win over Northwestern

COLUMBUS — Headed toward Saturday’s showdown of Big Ten unbeatens at Oregon, the Ohio State linebackers — especially Sonny Styles and Cody Simon —

Cody Simon by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --