Ohio State's Lorenzo Styles Jr. Clocks Blazing 4.27 40-Yard Dash at NFL Combine

Several safety prospects also run sub-4.50 times in the 40-yard dash

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 NFL scouting combine continued on Friday with tight ends and defensive backs taking the field. The standout performance of the day came from Ohio State's Lorenzo Styles Jr., who clocked an official 40-yard dash time of 4.27 seconds, the fastest time of the combine so far. Several other safety prospects also impressed with sub-4.50 times in the 40-yard dash.

Why it matters

The NFL combine is a critical event for draft prospects to showcase their athletic abilities and impress NFL teams. A blazing 40-yard dash time like Styles' can significantly boost a player's draft stock, as teams covet elite speed, especially in the defensive backfield. The strong showings by the safety group also highlight the depth of talent at that position in this year's draft class.

The details

Lorenzo Styles Jr., the older brother of Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, was the first player at this year's combine to run a sub-4.3 40-yard dash, officially clocking in at 4.27 seconds. Several other safeties also impressed, including Oklahoma's Robert Spears-Jennings with a 4.32 time and Arizona's Dalton Johnson with an unofficial 4.41 time, which would have been the third-best at last year's combine. The top vertical jump (42.5 inches by Arizona's Genesis Smith) and broad jump (10 feet, 10 inches by four players) marks were also set by safeties.

  • The 2026 NFL scouting combine is taking place from February 23 through March 2, with on-field workouts from February 26 through March 1.

The players

Lorenzo Styles Jr.

A defensive back from Ohio State who clocked the fastest 40-yard dash time of the 2026 NFL combine so far at 4.27 seconds.

Robert Spears-Jennings

A safety prospect from Oklahoma who ran a 4.32 40-yard dash at the combine.

Dalton Johnson

A defensive back from Arizona who recorded an unofficial 40-yard dash time of 4.41 seconds at the combine.

Genesis Smith

A safety prospect from Arizona who had the best vertical jump among safeties at the combine, leaping 42.5 inches.

Jalon Kilgore, DeShon Singleton, Treydan Stukes

Safety prospects from South Carolina, Nebraska, and Arizona who tied for the best broad jump among safeties at 10 feet, 10 inches.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I told you, I needed it,”

— Toriano Pride Jr., Cornerback, Missouri (Yahoo Sports)

“Who hasn't admired Tom Brady, guys?”

— Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana (WISH-TV)

“I was able to say a brief hi on the phone to Brady. That was very special to me. Look forward to meeting him in person, hopefully, one day, and learning from him.”

— Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana (WISH-TV)

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

The standout performances by the safety group at the NFL combine, led by Lorenzo Styles Jr.'s blazing 40-yard dash time, showcase the depth of talent in the defensive backfield for this year's draft class. Teams in need of secondary help will have plenty of options to consider as they look to bolster their pass defenses.