The CFP final is won by Ohio State thanks to Jack Sawyer’s scoop-and-score.

The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game provided a thrilling conclusion to one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. In a dramatic turn of events, the Ohio State Buckeyes secured the title with a decisive and unforgettable play from defensive end Jack Sawyer, who scooped up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, leading his team to a hard-fought victory. This win marked Ohio State’s ninth national championship, cementing their place among college football’s elite programs.

Setting the Stage: A Clash of Titans

The 2025 CFP National Championship brought together two college football juggernauts: Ohio State, the perennial powerhouse from the Big Ten, and a formidable opponent in the form of the SEC champions, the Georgia Bulldogs. Both teams entered the game with impressive résumés, showcasing high-powered offenses and stingy defenses. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, with both fanbases hungry for another national title and eager to see their respective teams etch their names in the annals of college football history.

Ohio State, led by head coach Ryan Day, had stormed through the season with a dynamic offense spearheaded by Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Kyle McCord, and a defense that was formidable, even without some of the big names of years past. Meanwhile, Georgia, under the guidance of Kirby Smart, was coming off a dominant season where they had again proven their defensive prowess and maintained an offense that could strike quickly and efficiently. Both teams had played through adversity, overcoming injuries and the pressures of big-game moments to reach this ultimate stage.

Early Struggles and Defensive Dominance

From the opening whistle, it was clear that both teams were locked in for an intense, physical battle. The first half was a tense, back-and-forth affair where both offenses struggled to find consistency. Early turnovers and strong defensive play defined much of the first two quarters. Ohio State’s defense, led by standout linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, kept Georgia’s potent offense in check, with quarterback Carson Beck and running back Kendall Milton unable to break free for significant gains.

On the other side of the ball, McCord and the Ohio State offense found themselves facing a relentless Georgia defense. The Bulldogs’ front seven, known for its size and speed, made life difficult for McCord in the pocket, while their secondary blanketed the Buckeyes’ talented receivers. The first half ended with the score tied at 10-10, a testament to the defensive dominance of both teams and the high level of competition.

As the second half began, it was clear that something had to give. The Buckeyes were looking to break through on offense, while Georgia was hoping to capitalize on any mistakes by Ohio State. The tension in the stadium was palpable, as fans on both sides held their breath, waiting for the game to turn in their favor.

The Turning Point: Jack Sawyer’s Scoop-and-Score

With just under seven minutes remaining in the third quarter, the momentum of the game would shift dramatically in favor of Ohio State. It began with a critical play that would go down in history as one of the most unforgettable moments in CFP championship history.

Georgia, in an attempt to break through Ohio State’s defense, had driven deep into Buckeye territory. The Bulldogs were threatening to take the lead, with Beck orchestrating a poised and methodical drive. But just as they seemed to be on the verge of a potential game-changing touchdown, disaster struck.

On a routine handoff to running back Kendall Milton, the ball slipped out of his hands. The fumble was immediately pounced upon by the Ohio State defensive line, and in the blink of an eye, Jack Sawyer, who had been relentless all night, saw an opportunity. Sawyer, a junior defensive end, had been a constant presence in the Georgia backfield, and now his alertness and quick reflexes would be the difference between victory and defeat.

Sawyer scooped up the loose ball with ease and took off down the sideline, racing toward the end zone. The Georgia offense was left stunned, as Sawyer cut past a few Bulldogs trying in vain to stop him. The chase was on, but the 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive end was too fast, evading one final tackler before diving into the end zone. The stadium erupted as Sawyer’s scoop-and-score gave Ohio State a 17-10 lead, a score that would prove to be the decisive blow in the game.

The play was a testament to Sawyer’s high football IQ and the relentless energy he had brought all season. As a player who had steadily developed into one of the most feared pass rushers in the country, Sawyer’s fumble recovery and return showcased his ability to turn a game on its head in a single moment. In the blink of an eye, Ohio State was in control, and Georgia’s once-hopeful drive had been snuffed out by an explosive defensive play.

Georgia’s Response: A Desperate Push

Following the emotional high of Sawyer’s scoop-and-score, Georgia found themselves in an unfamiliar position: trailing in a high-stakes championship game. However, the Bulldogs were not a team to back down from adversity. Kirby Smart’s squad had faced challenges throughout the season, and they had the talent and composure to mount a comeback.

Carson Beck responded by leading his team on a methodical drive, looking to tie the game and bring hope back to Georgia fans. The Bulldogs’ offense began to click, with Beck connecting on several key passes and Milton finding some success on the ground. Georgia managed to reach Ohio State’s 25-yard line, and with just over three minutes remaining, it looked like the Bulldogs might have one last chance to even the score.

But as the saying goes, “defense wins championships,” and Ohio State’s defense had one final stand in them. On a critical third-and-5 play, Beck dropped back to pass, scanning the field for an open receiver. However, the relentless pass rush from Sawyer and Tuimoloau disrupted his rhythm, forcing Beck to throw an ill-advised pass into the end zone. The ball sailed high, and Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom, who had been solid all night, came down with the interception.

The pick was a nail in the coffin for Georgia’s comeback hopes. Ransom’s interception gave Ohio State the ball back with less than two minutes remaining, and the Buckeyes were able to run out the clock and secure the victory. The celebration began as the Ohio State players swarmed the field, while Georgia’s players were left to ponder what could have been.

Jack Sawyer’s Legacy

Jack Sawyer’s scoop-and-score was undoubtedly the play of the game, but it was his overall performance throughout the championship that solidified his place in Ohio State lore. For a player who had been the face of the Buckeyes’ defensive unit, this moment marked the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. Sawyer’s determination to be the best, combined with his raw athleticism and intelligence on the field, had earned him a reputation as one of the premier defenders in college football.

As the confetti fell and Ohio State hoisted the CFP trophy, the Buckeyes’ victory was not just a testament to their offense or coaching staff—it was a tribute to the relentless play of their defense, and specifically, Jack Sawyer. In the coming days, Sawyer would be lauded not just for his scoop-and-score, but for his leadership throughout the season and his ability to make the biggest plays when it mattered most.

The Impact of Ohio State’s Victory

The Buckeyes’ triumph in the 2025 CFP National Championship reverberated across the college football landscape. The victory solidified Ohio State’s place as one of the preeminent programs in the country, with head coach Ryan Day now having multiple national titles under his belt. The win also served as a reminder that, while offense often dominates the headlines in modern college football, defense still has a critical role in determining championships.

For the Georgia Bulldogs, the loss was painful, but it also provided motivation for the future. Kirby Smart’s team had come close to a third consecutive national title but fell short in a game that was defined by one critical moment. While the loss stung, Georgia’s program remained in excellent shape, and their return to championship contention seemed inevitable.