In a dramatic turn of events at the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer emerged as the hero, propelling the Buckeyes to a victory that not only secured their place in the CFP National Championship, but also cemented his legacy as one of the most dominant defenders in college football. It was a night of high tension, raw emotion, and, for Sawyer, a moment of redemption against his former roommate and Texas quarterback, Quinn Ewers.
The game was a nail-biter, with Ohio State holding a narrow lead over Texas as the clock wound down to the final minutes. With just 2:24 left in the game, the Longhorns faced a do-or-die 4th-and-goal situation. The tension was palpable as Texas prepared to make one last push for a score. That’s when Sawyer, who had already been a key defensive presence throughout the game, made the play of the night. As Ewers dropped back to pass, Sawyer exploded off the edge, sacking Ewers and forcing a fumble. Not only did Sawyer recover the ball, but he took it 83 yards to the end zone, sealing a 28-14 victory for the Buckeyes and sending them to the National Championship.
Adding a layer of intrigue to this moment was the history between Sawyer and Ewers. The two had shared a dorm room at Ohio State during the 2021 season, forming a close friendship before Ewers transferred to Texas. The competitive fire between them was on full display during the Cotton Bowl, and Sawyer’s game-changing play against his former roommate felt like a poetic twist of fate.
After the game, Sawyer and Ewers exchanged playful jabs, showcasing the friendly rivalry that had fueled their performances on the field. Sawyer, always a man of few words, let his actions speak for themselves, as his strip sack and touchdown return will likely go down as one of the defining moments in Ohio State’s rich football history.
Sawyer’s dominance in the Cotton Bowl wasn’t limited to his iconic fumble return. He also recorded three tackles and two pass breakups, showing that his impact on the game extended far beyond that one crucial play. With his strong performance, Sawyer further solidified his reputation as a top-tier defensive player, and his draft stock has seen a significant rise. Experts are now predicting that Sawyer could be a late first-round or early second-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, a testament to his immense talent and potential.
On the business side, Sawyer is also making waves in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) market. The NIL Store, a major player in the industry, represents over 18,000 athletes, including stars like Cooper Flagg and Paige Bueckers. As Sawyer’s popularity continues to soar, it’s clear that he’s positioning himself not only for success at the next level but also as a prominent figure in the NIL space.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day couldn’t have been more proud of Sawyer’s performance, noting, “To make a play like that in that moment—and we talked about it before the game, do you want to leave a legacy behind and become a legend? He just became a legend at Ohio State.”
Looking ahead, Ohio State is set to face Notre Dame in the CFP National Championship on January 20. The game promises to be a clash of titans, with both teams boasting elite defenses. Ohio State’s defense, led by Sawyer, is primed for another big performance as they look to bring home the championship.
In a season full of thrilling moments, Jack Sawyer’s unforgettable play against Texas will undoubtedly go down in Ohio State lore as one of the most memorable and legendary performances in recent memory.
