Ohio State S Lorenzo Styles Jr. runs 4.27 40-yard dash at NFL combine

Styles becomes first player at 2026 NFL combine to go sub-4.3 in the 40-yard dash

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Lorenzo Styles Jr., a defensive back from Ohio State, turned heads at the 2026 NFL combine with a blistering 4.27-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time of any player at this year's event and the fastest time recorded by a safety at the combine since at least 2003. Styles, who transferred to Ohio State after starting his college career at Notre Dame, is the younger brother of Sonny Styles, a highly touted linebacker prospect who also had an impressive combine workout.

Why it matters

Styles' speed could significantly boost his draft stock, as he was previously considered a possible Day 3 selection in a deep safety class. His performance at the combine could move him up draft boards, especially for teams looking for a versatile defensive back with elite athleticism.

The details

Styles, a Pickerington, Ohio native, started his college career as a wide receiver at Notre Dame before transitioning to defensive back. At Ohio State, he played a career-high 405 defensive snaps, mostly in the slot, and recorded 30 total tackles and 3 pass breakups. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown against UCLA last season. Styles' father, Lorenzo Styles Sr., played for Ohio State in the early 1990s and won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams.

  • Lorenzo Styles Jr. ran his 40-yard dash on Friday, February 28, 2026 at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.
  • Styles' younger brother, Sonny, had an impressive workout on Thursday, February 27, 2026 at the combine.

The players

Lorenzo Styles Jr.

A defensive back from Ohio State who transferred from Notre Dame, and the younger brother of highly touted linebacker prospect Sonny Styles.

Sonny Styles

The younger brother of Lorenzo Styles Jr., a highly touted linebacker prospect who had an impressive workout at the 2026 NFL combine.

Lorenzo Styles Sr.

The father of Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Sonny Styles, who played for Ohio State in the early 1990s and won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I did. I actually knew he was going to run that fast when he only had got a 39 in the vertical. I said, 'Oh, he's mad. He's ready to go over here and do this now.'”

— Laverna Styles, Mother of Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Sonny Styles (NFL Network)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.