The Ohio State Buckeyes are expected to have a top-notch defensive line and secondary this season. The defensive department that still has a few questions is the linebacker unit. Cody Simon is the most experienced in the room, while converted safeties Sonny Styles and CJ Hicks are currently competing for Will’s starting linebacker spot.
Two of those three linebackers happened to be named to the Butkus Award watch list at noon Tuesday. The Butkus Award is given to the nation’s top college football linebacker after each season, and CJ Hicks and Sonny Styles find themselves on the preseason list of representatives.
Hicks currently stands at 6’3″ and weighs 235 pounds, and he’s looking to shine in his junior season. Before this year, Hicks had few appearances on defense, but was an asset in kick coverage. The former five-star prospect and No. 1 linebacker in the class of 2022 currently has 14 total tackles in his career at Ohio State. He recently received some praise for his blitzing skills, which he’s shown so far in fall camp.
Styles is currently listed at 6’4″ and 235 pounds, which is impressive for a converted safety. As part of the secondary, Styles had 53 total tackles and two sacks in 2023. The junior from Pickerington will look to make just as big an impact in the linebacker room. His athleticism should be a big asset to the defense again this season.
It’s a bit of a surprise that Cody Simon isn’t on the watch list, but the Buckeyes are still getting the recognition they deserve in a talented but revamped roster.
The Butkus Award watch list was the last of the major college football watch lists to be announced before the start of the 2024 season.
