Betting Markets Favor Ohio State's Sonny Styles for Giants' 5th Overall Pick

Prediction markets and oddsmakers see the linebacker as the likely selection for New York in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:21pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-tackle, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in shades of green, blue, and orange conveying the raw energy and motion of the sport.Prediction markets see Ohio State's Sonny Styles as the favorite to be selected by the Giants with the 5th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.NYC Today

According to prediction markets and betting odds, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is the clear favorite to be selected by the New York Giants with the 5th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Styles, a four-year starter for the Buckeyes, is given a 30% chance to land with the Giants by prediction market Kalshi, and has +180 odds at sportsbook bet365. Other players in consideration for the 5th pick include Styles' Ohio State teammate Caleb Downs, wide receiver Carnell Tate, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa.

Why it matters

The Giants have a lot of needs to address in the draft as they look to bounce back under new head coach John Harbaugh. Accurately predicting their first-round pick could provide valuable insight into the team's draft strategy and priorities. Styles would fill a key need at linebacker, while players like Tate and Mauigoa would address holes on offense.

The details

Sonny Styles had a standout career at Ohio State, including a 100-tackle, 6-sack season as a junior in 2024 when the Buckeyes won the national championship. He followed that up with 82 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception as a senior. Styles was trading as high as a 58% chance to be the 5th overall pick in late February, though that number has come down some. His Ohio State teammate Caleb Downs, a two-time All-American safety, has a 16% chance and +360 odds to be the Giants' selection. Other players in the mix include wide receiver Carnell Tate (16%), running back Jeremiyah Love (14%), and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (14%).

  • Styles starred at Ohio State for four seasons, including the Buckeyes' national championship campaign in 2024.
  • Styles was trading as high as 58% in late February to be the 5th overall pick, though that number has come down some.

The players

Sonny Styles

A four-year starting linebacker at Ohio State who was a key part of the Buckeyes' national championship team in 2024.

Caleb Downs

Styles' Ohio State teammate, a two-time All-American safety who was the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Carnell Tate

An Ohio State wide receiver who is also getting attention as a potential 5th overall pick for the Giants.

Jeremiyah Love

A running back from Notre Dame who is in the mix to be selected by the Giants at 5th overall.

Francis Mauigoa

An offensive lineman from the University of Miami who could help address one of the Giants' offseason needs.

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What’s next

The Giants will make their 5th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place on April 24-26.

The takeaway

The prediction markets and betting odds suggest the Giants are likely to address a defensive need by selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the 5th overall pick. However, the team could also look to bolster their offense by taking a player like wide receiver Carnell Tate or offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa.