COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s not only a big game for the Buckeyes Saturday against Penn State, but it's also a big recruiting night for potential future Buckeyes. 

​​​Sonny Styles hasn’t decided which school he’ll attend come 2023, but he’s getting there.

On his list is Ohio State. But this weekend isn’t his first game of the year. He attended the home opener against Oregon.

“Those noon games, they’re not as good as the night games," Styles said. "But it was still a great experience.”

And that’s the key this weekend — a night game with a scarlet-covered stadium could sway a lot of recruits.

“Ohio State/Penn State is a big rivalry. It always (has) been," Styles said. "So, it’s going to be a crazy atmosphere. They’re going to be wearing their new scarlet jerseys so it’ll be great.”

But for Styles, he’s got an interesting predicament.

The Pickerington Central safety’s dad was a linebacker for the Buckeyes. His older brother, however, is a freshman wide receiver at Notre Dame.

Styles said his family is letting him make his own decision.

“My brother, he’s always trying to tell me to go to the best place for me, whether that’s Notre Dame, that’s what it’ll be. If it’s Ohio State, that’s what it’ll be, or any other school," he said. "So it’s never really been like my family trying to get me to go to one school or the other.”

While Styles is still deciding, he said going to these games helps.

About 50 recruits will be there this weekend.

“I think it’s just good to meet guys in your class as well," he said. "If you do decide to go there, the guys that have already committed there, those are the guys in the locker room. You’ve got to go to work with them every day. It’s hard to go to work with someone you don’t like.”

Styles said he’s looking forward to seeing the Buckeyes under the lights.

“I think it’s going to be unbelievable," he said. "I can’t wait. Super excited for it.”