Although Lorenzo Styles Jr. is from Pickerington, Ohio, and grew up as the son of a former Ohio State linebacker, his college career didn't begin with the Buckeyes. Instead, it started at Notre Dame as a wide receiver. Styles later transferred back home, joining the Buckeyes and transitioning to cornerback.
That move paid off when he was selected in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. It literally paid off earlier this week when Styles signed his rookie contract.
The Saints announced this week that they have signed Styles to his four-year rookie contract. Styles was the No. 172 overall pick, adding a versatile and athletic piece to their defensive secondary.
Ohio State's 2026 college football is still months away, but preparation has already begun. Spring practice is underway, and plenty of news will come about next year's Buckeyes. Ohio State basketball made it back to the NCAA Tournament, but lost in the first round, setting up an important offseason. It's the busiest time of year for Ohio State. Stay on top of the latest Buckeye news by BECOMING A BUCKNUTS SUBSCRIBER today!
While the exact financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed by the team, Styles is projected to make $4.8 million on his rookie deal, with a $420,788 signing bonus.
Styles' path to the NFL was unique, defined by elite athleticism and a successful late-career position change. After arriving in Columbus via the transfer portal ahead of the 2023 season, Styles moved to defensive back. He proved to be an important and flexible asset for Ohio State, showcasing the ability to line up at both cornerback and as a nickel.
During the 2024 season, Styles was a vital reserve and special teams contributor for the Buckeyes' national championship team. He appeared in all 16 games that year, registering 16 total tackles and four pass breakups. He stepped into a larger defensive role during his senior campaign in 2025, playing 12 games (11 starts) at nickel and recording 30 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and three pass breakups. Styles also provided a massive spark on special teams, highlighted by a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against UCLA.
Before donning the scarlet and gray alongside his younger brother, former Buckeyes linebacker and 2026 first-round pick Sonny Styles, Lorenzo began his collegiate career with the Fighting Irish. Across two seasons in South Bend, he hauled in 54 receptions for 684 yards and two touchdowns, which included a breakout eight-catch, 136-yard, one-touchdown performance in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl.
At the 2026 NFL Combine, the 6-foot-0, 194-pounder firmly cemented his draft stock by clocking a blistering 4.27-second 40-yard dash, showcasing the elite, game-breaking speed that NFL talent evaluators covet. He also posted an impressive 39-inch vertical jump.
Styles carries a strong football pedigree into the professional ranks. His father, Lorenzo Styles Sr., was a standout linebacker at Ohio State in the early 1990s before embarking on a six-year NFL career that culminated in a Super Bowl XXXIV victory with the St. Louis Rams. Interestingly, Lorenzo Jr. received his draft call from Saints Senior Defensive Assistant Peter Giunta, who was his father's defensive coordinator with the Rams.
Follow Patrick Murphy on Twitter and Instagram for more Ohio State coverage
What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now!
Now officially under contract, Styles will look to leverage his top-tier speed, special teams background and developing coverage skills to earn an immediate rotational role in the Saints' defense as rookie minicamps and organized team activities (OTAs) get underway in New Orleans.