By waqar Ali shah, Sports Business Correspondent | November 16, 2025 |ย Sports
Lorenzo Styles Jr., the agile Ohio State defensive back, scripted a special teams masterpiece by dismantling a 15-year kickoff return touchdown dry spell for the Buckeyes. On Saturday, November 15, 2025, during the Buckeyes’ dominant 48-10 victory over UCLA, Styles Jr. delivered a heart-pounding 100-yard sprintโa play that came immediately after UCLA scored to push the lead to 41-7. This was the Buckeyes’ first kickoff return for a touchdown since Jordan Hallโs fabled 2010 gem against Michigan.
Lorenzo Styles Jr.: A Game-Changing Play
With the score at 34-7 in the third quarter, Styles Jr. fielded the kick deep in the end zone. Dodging initial chaos, he veered left into daylight, eluding the UCLA kicker and torching the coverage with raw speed. The untouched score instantly surged Ohio State to 41-7, a special teams jolt that echoed the intensity of their biggest battles. This Lorenzo Styles Jr. Ohio State football spectacle not only shattered the 15-year drought but also injected fresh, much-needed energy into the Buckeyes’ special teams unit as their College Football Playoff dreams sharpen.Key Details of the Touchdown
- Player: Lorenzo Styles Jr. (Ohio State defensive back, nickel back versatility)
- Event Date: November 16, 2025
- Opposing Team: UCLA Bruins
- Return Distance: 100 yards from the end zone
- Last Ohio State Kick off Return TD: 2010 (Jordan Hall vs. Michigan)
Heir to NFL legacy via dad Lorenzo Styles Sr., Styles Jr. blazed trails on this play. Check Lorenzo Styles Jr. stats for his season haul: 25 tackles, dual interceptions, and now this drought-busting return.
Contribution Beyond Kickoff Returns
Styles Jr. transcends returns, locking down nickel back duties with finesseโlike his sly 36-yard punt flip earlier in the year. Paired with sibling Sonny Styles in the backfield, they are solidifying a Buckeyes defensive dynasty.
The Ohio State faithful are abuzz over this Lorenzo Styles Jr. triumph, from his Notre Dame transfer arc to his NFL draft trajectory. A single, seismic run has reshaped the Buckeyesโ return renaissance.
Player Spotlight: Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Lorenzo Styles Jr. is the heir to an NFL legacy via his dad, Lorenzo Styles Sr., and he blazed his own trail with this play. Check his impressive season haul: 25 tackles, dual interceptions, and now this drought-busting return.
Who is Lorenzo Styles Jr. in Ohio State football?
Lorenzo Styles Jr. is a versatile defensive back and nickelback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, known for his speed and playmaking ability. A transfer from Notre Dame, he’s the son of former NFL player Lorenzo Styles Sr. and brother to teammate Sonny Styles, making him a key part of the family’s Buckeyes legacy.
What was Lorenzo Styles Jr.’s game-changing play against UCLA?
On November 16, 2025, Styles Jr. fielded a kickoff at the 1-yard line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, ending Ohio State’s 15-year kickoff return TD drought. This untouched score helped seal a 45-17 win, showcasing his elite vision and acceleration.
Did Styles Jr. set an Ohio State record?
Yes, his 100-yard return tied the record for the longest kick return touchdown in Ohio State history, last achieved by Ted Ginn Jr. in 2005.
What are Lorenzo Styles Jr.’s stats for the 2025 season?
Through the UCLA game, Lorenzo Styles Jr. stats include 25 tackles, 2 interceptions, and standout special teams contributions like a 36-yard punt return. For full Lorenzo Styles Jr. Ohio State stats, check recruiting sitesโhe’s rising as an NFL draft prospect.
What was the score when the return happened?
The return came immediately after a UCLA touchdown, taking the score from 34-7 to 41-7 in the third quarter.
How does Lorenzo Styles Jr. contribute beyond kick returns for Ohio State?
As a reliable nickelback, Styles Jr. excels in coverage and run support, complementing his return specialist role. His versatility, paired with brother Sonny Styles in the secondary, strengthens Buckeyes’ defensive backfield amid their playoff push.
๐ป๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐
1 thought on “watch: Lorenzo Styles Jr. Kick Return TD: Ohio State Finally Ends 15-Year Drought vs. UCLA”