The Styles Brothers Are Taking Over the NFL Combine: Sonny and Lorenzo Jr. Both Make History
The 2026 NFL Combine has a new royal family — and their last name is Styles. Linebacker Sonny Styles dominated headlines Thursday with his all-around performance, and his older brother Lorenzo Jr. just ran a 4.27 in the 40-yard dash — the fastest time recorded at the combine so far — making the Ohio State siblings the most talked-about brother act in Indianapolis since the Manning family changed the quarterback landscape.
Sonny Styles Thursday: Most Historic Combine Workout in Over 20 Years
Ohio State's Sonny Styles posted breathtaking numbers in the jumping events and 40-yard dash Thursday. At 43½ inches, the 6-foot-5, 244-pound linebacker had the highest vertical jump by any player 6-foot-4 or taller and any player weighing 240 or more pounds at the combine since at least 2003. Styles' broad jump of 11 feet, 2 inches led all combine participants on Thursday.
Styles is the only player to run a sub-4.5 40-yard dash with a vertical of 40-plus inches and a broad jump of 11-plus feet at 230 or more pounds since 2003, per NFL Research. The son of former NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles Sr. came in as a probable top-12 pick. His on-field workout might have solidified his spot in the top 10 — and maybe even the top five.
Lorenzo Styles Jr. Runs a 4.27 — Fastest Time of the Entire Combine
Then came Friday. Older brother and safety prospect Lorenzo Styles Jr. ran a blazing 4.27 for the best time in the combine so far — and it wasn't just Lorenzo who ran lightning fast. Several safety prospects ran sub-4.50 times, but none touched Lorenzo's mark.
The Styles brothers won a national championship together at Ohio State. They're now putting on a show at the NFL combine. NFL Network broadcast talked to Laverna Styles, mother of combine standouts Sonny and Lorenzo Jr., from the sideline — a moment that became one of the most heartwarming segments of the entire week's coverage.
David Bailey Runs 4.51 at the Combine — Von Miller Comparisons Grow Louder
Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey's 4.51-second 40-yard dash was a standout performance among the edge rushers on Thursday, drawing comparisons to Hall-of-Famer Von Miller, who ran a 4.50 at the 2011 NFL Combine before going second overall to the Denver Broncos. Ohio State EDGE Arvell Reese — the No. 3 prospect in CBS Sports' rankings — performed like a bona fide top-five pick, as did Ohio State LB Sonny Styles at No. 10 and Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey at No. 19.
Historic Tight End Numbers Round Out a Record-Breaking Friday
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq ran an official corrected time of 4.39 after initially being clocked at 4.40, breaking Vernon Davis' combine record at the position. Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers leapt 45.5 inches in the vertical and 11 feet, 3 inches in the broad jump — both combine records for tight ends.
Saturday Is the Marquee Day: QBs, WRs, and RBs Take the Field at 1:00 PM ET
The biggest day of the entire 2026 NFL Combine arrives Saturday, February 28 ET, starting at 1:00 PM ET on NFL Network and NFL+ when quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs take Lucas Oil Stadium. Fernando Mendoza — expected to be the first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders — led the nation with 41 touchdown passes this season, won the Heisman Award, and led Indiana to a national championship. He said he got a chance to briefly speak with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady on the phone, calling it very special. Whether Mendoza throws today or sits out is the single biggest story heading into Saturday's session.
