Lorenzo Styles Jr. is set to bring a spark to the New Orleans Saints' special teams unit, and if his college career is any indication, he's more than ready for the challenge. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State standout is expected to make his mark covering punts and kickoffs. But don't be surprised if he turns a few heads as a returner, too—especially after his electrifying 102-yard kick return touchdown against UCLA last season.

At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Styles has the kind of 4.2 speed in the 40-yard dash that makes him a natural fit for a gunner role. Over 495 special teams snaps between Ohio State and Notre Dame, he primarily worked on the blocking unit, with just five return opportunities in five years. But when he got his chance, he made it count—and his former head coach, Ryan Day, had the perfect behind-the-scenes breakdown of the play.

"We put that return in this week, and we knew we might not get too many opportunities at it," Day recalled with a laugh. "When it was taken out a yard or two in the end zone, Lorenzo said, 'Once I took it out, I knew I had to return it for a touchdown, so I better get running.' He didn't have a choice, and I agreed with him. It's just the buy-in from everybody—that's how it works. Because all it takes is one guy. How many times have you heard, 'If we just made one more block, it would've gone?' That's what it takes. When special teams can flip a game like that, it certainly makes a difference."

While the play didn't exactly flip a tight game—UCLA had just scored to make it 34-7—Styles' immediate response on the ensuing kickoff helped seal a dominant 48-10 victory for Ohio State. For Saints fans, that kind of explosive potential could be a game-changer in the battle for roster spots this September. Whether he's flying downfield as a gunner or breaking loose on a return, Styles brings the kind of speed and determination that makes special teams a weapon—not just an afterthought.