Buckeye Titans: Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles Anchor Ohio State’s Fearsome Defense — But Who’s the True Alpha?

COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes are on Ohio State’s defensive unit, and for good reason. The Buckeyes boast two of the most electrifying, versatile, and dominant defenders in the nation — Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles. Both players are not only the heart of the Buckeyes’ defense but have also been named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List, awarded annually to the nation’s top defensive player who exhibits Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.

Their presence has reignited a spirited debate among fans and analysts: Who truly runs the show on defense in Columbus — the cerebral, hard-hitting safety in Downs, or the hybrid enforcer in Styles who seems to be everywhere at once?

Caleb Downs transferred from Alabama after a standout freshman season in Tuscaloosa. His arrival in Columbus immediately sent shockwaves through the college football world. A former five-star recruit and arguably the best defensive back in the country, Downs didn’t miss a beat upon donning the scarlet and gray. His ability to diagnose plays before they unfold, cover ground with elite speed, and lay bone-jarring hits has made him a fan favorite and a leader in the secondary.

On the other side stands Sonny Styles, a former five-star recruit from the state of Ohio who has grown into a versatile chess piece for defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing around 230 pounds, Styles has proven he can line up anywhere — at deep safety, in the box, as a nickel corner, or even as a blitzer off the edge. His rare blend of size, speed, and instincts makes him a matchup nightmare for offensive coordinators across the country.

Together, Downs and Styles have transformed Ohio State’s defense into one of the most feared units in the nation. But with two alpha-level players commanding the spotlight, the inevitable question has emerged: Who’s truly the leader — the face — of this defensive juggernaut?

Downs is cerebral, calm, and methodical — a silent assassin in the backfield. His game is built on discipline, awareness, and perfect execution. Whether it’s blanketing a top receiver in coverage or delivering a hit that knocks the air out of an opponent, Downs plays like a seasoned NFL veteran.

Styles, however, brings more flair. He’s vocal, physical, and fearless. His ability to fill multiple roles across the defense is reminiscent of NFL stars like Derwin James or Isaiah Simmons in their college days. With a high football IQ and the athleticism to match, Styles disrupts offenses in ways that don’t always show up on the stat sheet — but coaches and scouts notice.

Both players are invaluable. Yet their contrasting personalities and styles of play have fueled the growing debate. Fans love Downs’ consistency and fundamentals. Others are drawn to Styles’ highlight-reel plays and sheer versatility. This dynamic has created one of the most captivating intra-team comparisons in all of college football.

Head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles have both refused to name one as the definitive leader of the defense. Instead, they celebrate the healthy competition between the two stars. “We’re fortunate to have not just one, but two guys who elevate everyone around them,” Knowles said recently. “They lead in different ways, but they both command respect. That’s what championship teams are built on.”

It’s clear that Downs and Styles aren’t caught up in the noise. Teammates say the two have a deep mutual respect and push each other in practice every day. When one makes a play, the other is the first to celebrate. This synergy is what makes the Buckeyes dangerous — they’re not just chasing personal accolades; they’re gunning for a national championship.

Still, with both players on the Lott Trophy radar and draft boards lighting up with their names, it’s only natural for the football world to speculate on who will walk away as the face of this elite defense by season’s end.

Whether it’s Downs or Styles who ultimately emerges as the symbolic leader of the Buckeye defense might not matter to Ohio State fans, as long as the team dominates on Saturdays. But the narrative remains irresistible. In a sport where individual greatness often fuels team success, the Downs vs. Styles storyline adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already championship-caliber program.

What’s undeniable is that Ohio State is in rarefied air defensively — possessing not one, but two generational talents in their secondary. As the season unfolds, the nation will be watching not just the scoreboard, but the highlights and heroics of two defenders who could redefine what it means to be the “alpha” on defense.