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What Ohio State football linebacker Sonny Styles thought about position switch in Week 1
Sonny Styles expected to debut as a starting linebacker on the weak side.
It was where he had largely lined up since first moving from safety in spring practice.
But when Cody Simon was held out of Ohio State’s season-opening victory over Akron with an unspecified injury, it prompted a change in plans. Styles took over as the starting middle linebacker, also known as the Mike.
“I have a pretty good grasp and knowledge of the defense,” Styles said, “so it wasn’t a super hard switch for me.”
The biggest adjustment last Saturday involved hearing play calls from defensive coordinator Jim Knowles through a speaker in his helmet, part of the new coach-to-player communication that debuted this year.
As the starting middle linebacker, Simon had the most time to familiarize himself with the device in preseason practices. Only one player on the field can be fitted with one.
“I thought it was a solid day,” Styles said. “I thought I did pretty good with.”
Styles said they only had one slip-up in the Buckeyes’ 52-6 win, a situation when he heard a call late and a bit of confusion ensued before the snap.
“It got a little hectic,” Styles said, “because everyone’s looking at you, ‘What’s the call? What’s the call?”
Teammates praised Styles for his communication as he relayed the calls from Knowles.
“He came in ready,” defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau said. “He was prepared. We had no trouble getting the calls, and when we did, he helped keep the defense in one piece and not let us get all out of place. He ran the show and did a great job.”
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Styles has shown positional versatility at Ohio State since graduating a year early from Pickerington Central High School in 2022.
He started last season as the nickel safety before switching to strong safety when Lathan Ransom suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury.
Having to juggle multiple safety positions prepared him for adapting to multiple spots at linebacker.
“When I was at safety, I knew how to play all three,” he said. “I took the same mindset when I moved to linebacker.”
Styles, who racked up six tackles against the Zips, could remain as the middle linebacker this week against Western Michigan if Simon does not return.
While Simon has practiced this week, coach Ryan Day on Wednesday night stopped short of saying he would be available against the Broncos, remarking only that he was “day to day.”
Until last week, most of Styles’ preparation for playing middle linebacker had come off the field. He said he had not taken many reps at the position in practices.
Most of his reps had been mental ones, observing Simon in the role from the sideline after rotating off the field.
“I’m just taking note what the Mike’s doing all the time,” he said.
When Day has sat in on linebacker meetings, he has noticed Styles’ participation.
“He’s answering the questions,” Day said. “He’s very, very involved with everything that goes on.”
In other instances, Styles has reviewed additional film with linebackers coach James Laurinaitis.
The dedication paid off as he adjusted to another role.
“It shows the work that he’s putting in off the field that nobody sees,” Day said.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @joeyrkaufman or email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com.
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Why artists are dropping out of the Great American State Fair
Musicians cancel appearances at the Great American State Fair after questions over Freedom 250 and claims the July Fourth event is nonpartisan.
As several states pull out of the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., questions are coming up closer to home — Is Ohio still participating?
Massachusetts and North Carolina won’t participate in the fair, according to USA TODAY. Reports also indicate that Connecticut, Illinois, Maine and Oregon are also expected to skip the event, with some states citing a combination of financial and political concerns as reasons for opting out.
Here’s what we know about Ohio’s role in the event so far.
Is Ohio skipping the 2026 Great American State Fair?
Ohio has confirmed its participation with a booth titled “Ohio: The Heart of it All,” which showcases state parks and childhood development. The governor’s office began the planning process for the booth in February, shortly after the Great American State Fair was announced, said Lisa Peterson director of communications in the governor’s office.
The Great American State Fair, organized by Freedom 250, is a 16-day exposition that will be displayed on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10.
Additionally, Ohio will host a stop from the “Freedom Truck,” a traveling exhibit tied to Freedom 250. The exhibit will appear at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus. Organizers describe the Freedom Truck as a mobile museum that visits existing fairs and community events, not a version of the Great American State Fair itself.
When does the ‘Freedom Truck’ stop in Ohio?
The Freedom Truck is scheduled to be at the Ohio State Fair from July 27 through Aug. 10, 2026 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus.
The exhibit includes interactive and historical exhibits about the founding of the United States, according to organizers.
The mobile museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, with the final day closing at 6 p.m.
What is the Great American State Fair?
The Great American State Fair is a 16-day event planned for June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Organized by Freedom 250, the fair is part of a broader effort to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with state exhibits, food, entertainment and cultural programming, according to USA TODAY.
President Donald Trump announced he will headline the Freedom 250‑organized Great American State Fair and hold an “America Is Back” rally, the publication reports.
America250 vs. Freedom 250: What’s the difference?
The Great American State Fair is part of Freedom 250, a Trump-backed initiative to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.
That effort is different from America250, the official, congressionally-authorized program coordinating nationwide commemorations. Meanwhile, America 250‑Ohio, the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, is the official state-level partner to the national America250 effort.
The Ohio Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 23, 2026, results for each game:
Mega Millions
Mega Millions drawings take place every week on Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.
48-51-60-63-66, Mega Ball: 20
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.
Midday: 8-8-0
Evening: 2-0-5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.
Midday: 7-2-9-0
Evening: 1-6-9-3
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 5
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.
Midday: 2-9-2-5-7
Evening: 2-8-6-4-9
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Rolling Cash 5
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at approximately 7:05 p.m.
03-09-22-37-39
Check Rolling Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Enquirer digital news director. You can send feedback using this form.
TEMPE, AZ – JANUARY 02: Head coach Jim Tressel of the Ohio State Buckeyes holds the football from the trophy after the Buckeyes defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Tostito’s Fiesta Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium on January 2, 2006 in Tempe, Arizona. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 34-20. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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