Last year's contest between Ohio State and Notre Dame doubled as “The Bro Bowl” in the Styles household.
Half of the Styles family that attended the Buckeyes' eventual 21-10 win over the Fighting Irish in Columbus in 2022 donned OSU colors in support of Sonny Styles, while the other sat in the Notre Dame section for Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Considering he was just a true freshman in his first college football game, Sonny didn't play against Notre Dame in 2022, though Lorenzo Styles Jr. made an impact on the Fighting Irish's opening play from scrimmage by catching a pass for a 54-yard gain on his lone reception of the night.
Following the contest, the two brothers met on the field to exchange pleasantries.
All love between two brothers: Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Sonny Styles. pic.twitter.com/JfHyJbPwCX
— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) September 4, 2022
One year later, Ohio State and Notre Dame are slated to clash against each other again. Only this time, both Styles brothers will be on the same sideline. Lorenzo Styles Jr. transferred to OSU in the offseason and made a position change from wide receiver to cornerback and Sonny Styles has been the team's starter at nickel in the first three games.
"I think it was a pretty cool moment," Sonny Styles said Wednesday recounting the game from a year ago. "I wasn't really playing as much the first game, but it was a pretty cool moment for my brother and I to share the field. But I think this year is even more special. Lorenzo transferred here, but obviously, he still has love for Notre Dame. But this year we're both on the same side of the ball and the same team. I think it'll be pretty cool."
Lorenzo Styles Jr. has seen 11 snaps this season as a special teams contributor and is thankful to be back on the field with his brother for the first time since the pair played together at Pickerington Central High School three years ago.
“I knew I wanted to play corner, and then when the opportunity came, I was like it would be amazing to play with my brother in Ohio,” Lorenzo Styles said in July of his decision to transfer to Ohio State.
In three games this season, Sonny Styles has recorded nine tackles for OSU (one for loss) and has been successful in pass coverage, including delivering a bone-crushing hit in the Buckeyes' win over Youngstown State in Week 2.
Sonny Styles BIG hit pic.twitter.com/psvxNIb6CH
— Buckeye Realm (@BuckeyeRealm_) September 9, 2023
Sonny Styles knows OSU's secondary will have its biggest test of the season against Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman and he believes the Buckeyes are up to the task.
"I feel like they have a good, balanced attack," Sonny Styles said. "They run the ball well, they take some shots, I think Hartman is a great quarterback. He makes great decisions with the ball. I think he's precise with the ball and makes great decisions. Four games in and he doesn't have any interceptions, so I think he's a great decision-maker."
