Ryan Day: Jack Sawyer has become an Ohio State icon. Jack Sawyer punches Ohio State’s title-game ticket with the strip sack of former roommate.

In the world of college football, few moments resonate as deeply with players, fans, and coaches as the one where a single player defines the fate of an entire season. For Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer, that moment came during the team’s most recent playoff game, where his game-changing strip sack of a former roommate sent the Buckeyes to the national title game. It wasn’t just the physical play that made Sawyer a hero in Columbus, but the journey that led to this moment of glory, the bonds that were formed, and the expectations that were met when it mattered most.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who has seen numerous players rise to the occasion throughout his tenure, couldn’t have been prouder of Sawyer. His words about the defensive end, who had worked tirelessly since arriving at Ohio State, reflected not just the accomplishment on the field but the spirit and character Sawyer had displayed since stepping onto campus. Sawyer’s evolution from a highly-touted recruit to an Ohio State icon encapsulates the grit and determination that Day has built his program around.

This iconic play and Sawyer’s role in getting the Buckeyes to the title game have cemented his legacy in a way few players could ever hope to achieve. And it’s a story not just about the raw talent of a defensive star, but about the personal stakes involved, the weight of tradition at Ohio State, and the drive to reach the highest pinnacle of college football.

The Build-Up to a Career-Defining Moment

Jack Sawyer’s story at Ohio State began with a great deal of hype. A five-star recruit out of Pickerington, Ohio, Sawyer was one of the top-ranked defensive prospects in the country. His skill set, which included explosiveness off the edge, relentless pursuit of the quarterback, and his high football IQ, made him an immediate centerpiece of the Buckeyes’ defensive line. With an Ohio native’s passion for playing for the team he grew up watching, Sawyer’s commitment to the Buckeyes added an extra layer of excitement to an already-loaded defensive unit.

Despite the attention that came with his recruitment, Sawyer’s path to becoming a true star wasn’t immediate. Like many young players stepping into the college game, he had to adjust to the speed and physicality of the Big Ten. Under Ryan Day’s coaching, Sawyer’s development accelerated. Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles provided the perfect environment for Sawyer to refine his technique, increase his football knowledge, and, most importantly, develop the mental toughness needed to thrive at a program with championship expectations year in and year out.

As the years went on, Sawyer continued to develop, gaining confidence and refining his pass-rushing abilities. It wasn’t always easy. There were moments where Sawyer faced adversity, including battling through injuries and adjusting to changing defensive schemes. But through it all, Sawyer remained steadfast in his goal: to help bring a national title back to Ohio State.

By his junior season, Sawyer had earned the trust of his coaches and his teammates. And while the Buckeyes had several standout players on the roster, it became clear that Sawyer was poised to become one of the leaders of the defense. His relentless work ethic, combined with his talent, made him a player to watch during the 2025 season, especially as Ohio State had high hopes of making a deep playoff run.

The Big Game: A Strip Sack to Remember

It was during the college football playoff semifinal that Jack Sawyer truly solidified his place in Ohio State lore. In a game filled with emotion, high stakes, and a loaded roster, the Buckeyes found themselves up against a formidable opponent in the national semifinals. The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging blows, but Ohio State’s defense, led by Sawyer, was beginning to impose its will.

Late in the fourth quarter, with the game still in the balance, the opposing quarterback—a former roommate of Sawyer’s—dropped back to pass. The pressure from the Buckeyes’ defensive line had been mounting all game, and Sawyer saw his opportunity. As the quarterback went to throw the ball, Sawyer’s speed and timing were perfect. He exploded off the edge, coming from the blindside, and just as the quarterback prepared to release the ball, Sawyer hit him squarely, knocking the ball loose.

The ball tumbled to the ground, and Sawyer, showing his instincts, scooped it up and raced toward the end zone. While he didn’t score on the play, the strip sack was enough to put Ohio State in prime position to seal the game. The moment was electric. The stadium erupted in a deafening roar, and Sawyer’s teammates rushed to embrace him. The play had not only killed the opposing team’s chances of mounting a comeback, but it also sent the Buckeyes to the national championship game.

As the media erupted with questions about the play, Ryan Day had nothing but praise for his star defensive end. “Jack has always had the ability to make big plays,” Day said in his postgame press conference. “He’s a player who rises to the occasion, and that moment tonight was a testament to his hard work, his preparation, and his passion for Ohio State football. This program is built on players who can make plays when it matters most, and Jack proved he’s one of those players.”

Day’s words rang true: Jack Sawyer had become more than just another player in Ohio State’s storied history. He had become an icon—someone whose name would be remembered for years to come, and whose highlight-reel play would forever be etched in the minds of Buckeyes fans.

The Significance of the Strip Sack

Beyond the immediate success it brought the team, Sawyer’s strip sack represented a culmination of everything he had worked for since arriving at Ohio State. It was a moment of personal redemption, an answer to the doubts that had lingered about whether he could make the leap from a highly-ranked recruit to a true playmaker on the national stage.

But the significance of the play went beyond just Sawyer’s development. It was a defining moment for Ohio State football, which had experienced a series of near-misses in recent seasons. The Buckeyes had come close to winning national titles in previous years, but they had always fallen short. Sawyer’s strip sack sent a clear message to the entire team and to their fans: Ohio State was ready to take the next step. This team was determined to finish what they started and win a national championship.

For Sawyer, the play also held personal meaning. His former roommate, now the quarterback for the opposing team, had been a close friend during their time together at Ohio State. To strip sack someone he had once shared a locker room with added a layer of intrigue and emotion to the play. In the weeks following the game, Sawyer would talk about the complex emotions surrounding that moment, but also the respect he had for his former teammate, recognizing that it was the kind of play that could only happen on the biggest of stages.

Ryan Day’s Vision for Ohio State

For Ryan Day, the success of Jack Sawyer was not just a product of the individual player’s efforts, but a reflection of the culture and vision he has worked to instill in Ohio State football. Day’s philosophy has always been about developing talent, building strong relationships with players, and fostering an environment where every player, regardless of their initial status, has the opportunity to rise to greatness.

Day often speaks about the importance of players who can handle the pressure of big moments and step up when their team needs them most. “It’s not just about talent,” Day explained after the playoff game. “It’s about mindset. We ask our players to be mentally tough, to embrace the challenge, and to find ways to win when the game is on the line. Jack embodies that mentality.”

The strip sack was the perfect embodiment of that mindset. In a game that featured some of the best athletes in the country, Sawyer didn’t just rely on raw talent; he used his football intelligence, his preparation, and his resilience to execute the play at the most crucial time.

Jack Sawyer’s Legacy at Ohio State

The impact of Jack Sawyer’s strip sack will be felt for years to come in Columbus. His play not only punched Ohio State’s ticket to the national championship but also added another chapter to the legacy of a program that is rich in history. Ohio State fans will forever remember that moment as the moment Sawyer rose to the occasion and solidified his place as an Ohio State icon.

But for Jack Sawyer, the work doesn’t end there. The national title game presents one more chance for him to cement his place in Ohio State lore, and with his leadership and determination, there’s no telling just how high he and the Buckeyes can go. For Ryan Day, Sawyer’s emergence as a star player is a testament to the development and success of his program, and it’s clear that Day’s vision for Ohio State football is in full effect. With players like Jack Sawyer leading the way, the future is incredibly bright for Ohio State as they pursue another national title.