2026 NFL Combine: Sonny Styles' 43.5-Inch Vertical Jump Stuns Scouts
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles delivered a historic combine performance with a 43.5-inch vertical jump, the highest by an off-ball linebacker since 2003.
Sonny Styles' Historic Combine Performance
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles delivered a combine performance for the ages on February 26, 2026, posting a 43.5-inch vertical jump that stunned NFL scouts and set a new benchmark for off-ball linebackers. The 6-foot-5, 244-pound defensive standout from Columbus, Ohio, showcased why he's projected as a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Styles' testing numbers were nothing short of spectacular. He ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, tied for the fastest time of the day, and posted a 1.56-second 10-yard split that demonstrated explosive first-step quickness. His 11-foot-2 broad jump and 7.09-second 3-cone drill further cemented his status as one of the most athletic linebackers to ever step on the Lucas Oil Stadium turf.
The Numbers That Matter
The combine measurements tell the story of an elite athlete:
Measurement
Result
Height
6-foot-5
Weight
244 pounds
Hand size
10 inches
Arm length
32⅞ inches
Wingspan
80⅞ inches
40-yard dash
4.46 seconds
Vertical jump
43.5 inches
Broad jump
11 feet 2 inches
3-cone drill
7.09 seconds
Short shuttle
4.26 seconds
Styles' 43.5-inch vertical was the highest by an off-ball linebacker at the combine since 2003, surpassing even current Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori's 43-inch jump at the 2025 combine. The leap was so impressive that it generated immediate buzz across social media, with NFL Network and ESPN analysts calling it one of the greatest combine performances by a linebacker in history.
Makai Lemon Emerges as Another Standout
While Styles dominated the headlines, Makai Lemon also turned heads at the 2026 NFL Combine. Though specific measurements weren't detailed in the available search results, Lemon was mentioned as a standout performer during the linebacker drills. The California product showcased the kind of athleticism that has NFL teams buzzing about his draft potential.
Lemon's performance on Day 4 of the combine was so impressive that it earned its own highlight reel on YouTube, where scouts praised his combination of speed, agility, and football instincts. Like Styles, Lemon is projected to hear his name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft, with some analysts suggesting he could be a first-round pick.
Why This Matters for the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft class is shaping up to be one of the most talented in recent memory, and the combine performances by Styles and Lemon have only heightened the excitement. Styles, currently rated No. 7 on ESPN insider Mel Kiper Jr.'s big board, has seen his stock soar following his combine showing. His combination of ideal size, elite athleticism, and proven college production makes him a nightmare matchup for offensive coordinators.
For NFL teams, the question now becomes: how do you game-plan against a linebacker who can run with receivers, jump with tight ends, and deliver punishing hits in the run game? The answer might be that you can't — which is exactly why Styles is expected to be one of the first defenders selected in April's draft.
What to Watch Next
The combine may be over, but the evaluation process is just beginning. Ohio State's pro day is scheduled for March 25, 2026, where Arvel Reese is expected to complete his vertical and broad jump drills. For Styles and Lemon, the focus now shifts to private workouts, team interviews, and medical evaluations as they prepare for what could be life-changing moments in their football careers.
As the draft approaches, one thing is clear: the 2026 NFL Combine will be remembered for Sonny Styles' historic leap and the emergence of a new generation of athletic linebackers ready to make their mark on the NFL.