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Jack Sawyer of Ohio State football achieved legendary status as a Buckeye after his performance in the Cotton Bowl. He is now on a quest to conclude his collegiate career with a championship win.

In a critical moment during the College Football Playoff semifinal, the senior defensive end made a game-changing play by strip-sacking Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers on a crucial fourth down late in the fourth quarter. He recovered the ball and scored an impressive 83-yard touchdown, boosting Ohio State to a 28-14 lead, which stood as the final score and secured their spot in the national championship against Notre Dame.

“I can’t express enough how important Jack Sawyer is,” said Ohio State coach Ryan Day in his ESPN post-Cotton Bowl interview. “He embodies the spirit of being a Buckeye and cares deeply for his teammates. Before the game, we discussed creating a lasting legacy and becoming legends. He has just solidified his status as a legend at Ohio State.”

The 6-foot-5 athlete has been a standout for the Buckeyes over several seasons, achieving a personal best of nine sacks in the 2024-25 season. He is also projected to be a late first-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

As he prepares for his last collegiate game, particularly after becoming a well-known figure due to his Cotton Bowl exploits, here’s what you need to know about Sawyer before the national championship:

Who is Jack Sawyer?

Jack Sawyer is a fourth-year defensive end at Ohio State and has been recognized as one of the elite defensive players in college football this season.

Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 260 pounds, he has recorded 56 tackles and nine sacks, along with three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, with the opportunity to increase these stats in the championship game against Notre Dame.

Sawyer has made headlines recently, especially for trying to prevent Michigan from planting their flag at Ohio Stadium, leading to a postgame skirmish following their narrow 13-10 victory. He also had a notable goal-line interception in that game.

However, he delivered arguably the highlight of his career in the Cotton Bowl by returning a fumble he forced for an 83-yard touchdown against Texas, which ultimately helped secure the Buckeyes’ victory.

“I have so much love for this state, Columbus, Ohio, and my team,” Sawyer expressed after the Cotton Bowl. “I’d fight for this team time and again.”

Evidently a passionate player, Sawyer is projected to be selected in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. With no remaining eligibility, he won’t be returning for another season. Many analysts have even suggested he might land at the end of the first round based on his recent performances.

This season, Sawyer was recognized as a second-team All-Big Ten player, falling behind multiple potential first-rounders, including Michigan’s Mason Graham and Penn State’s Abdul Carter, as well as Ohio State’s own JT Tuimoloau.

Jack Sawyer 247 rating

• Rating: 5 stars
• Overall ranking: No. 5 player in the country
• Positional ranking: No. 3 defensive lineman
• State ranking: No. 1 player from Ohio

Sawyer has been a lifelong Buckeyes fan, growing up in nearby Pickerington, Ohio, which is just a short drive from Ohio State’s campus in Columbus.

He developed into one of the best recruits in the nation, classified as a five-star prospect and ranked as the No. 5 player in the 2021 recruiting class, according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings. He also holds the distinction of being the first commitment to Ohio State’s 2021 class.

Jack Sawyer NFL draft mocks

Here are the projections for Sawyer’s selection in the 2025 NFL Draft from various mock draft analysts:

• Yahoo Sports: First round, No. 30 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles
• CBS Sports: First round, No. 32 overall to the Detroit Lions
• Pro Football Focus: First round, No. 25 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers

Jack Sawyer stats

Here’s a breakdown of Sawyer’s college stats by year:

• 2021: 13 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble
• 2022: 24 tackles, 4.5 sacks
• 2023: 48 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
• 2024: 56 tackles, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception