Ohio State DE Jack Sawyer praised Ryan Day for his mentorship, admitting that Day’s guidance helped him become a breakout player.

In the world of college football, the relationships between coaches and players are often pivotal to a player’s development. For Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer, that relationship with head coach Ryan Day has been a driving force behind his evolution from a promising recruit to a breakout star on one of the most high-profile defenses in college football. As Sawyer continues to build on his impressive performances, he has opened up about the impact that Ryan Day has had on his career and personal growth.

Sawyer’s rise to prominence has not been an accident. From his early years as a highly-rated recruit out of Pickerington, Ohio, to his time spent refining his skills in the Ohio State program, Sawyer’s success has been the result of hard work, determination, and the guidance of coaches who have believed in him. However, in his recent reflections, it’s clear that Ryan Day’s mentorship played a particularly important role in Sawyer’s growth.

A Fresh Start with Ryan Day

Jack Sawyer’s story began in the shadow of one of college football’s most successful programs—Ohio State. Coming out of high school, he was regarded as one of the top defensive recruits in the country. A four-star prospect, Sawyer had the physical tools and skills to thrive at the collegiate level. Standing at 6’4” and weighing over 250 pounds, he had the combination of strength, speed, and agility that NFL scouts dream of. It was clear that Sawyer had the potential to be a game-changer for the Buckeyes.

However, when Sawyer first arrived at Ohio State, he entered a program with incredibly high expectations. The Buckeyes were fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance and had one of the most elite rosters in the nation. The defensive line, an area of strength for Ohio State, was filled with talent and experience. With players like Chase Young, who would go on to be the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the competition for playing time was fierce.

This could have been a daunting scenario for any young player, but Jack Sawyer wasn’t intimidated. Instead, he was eager to learn, improve, and take on the challenge. As a freshman, he took advantage of every opportunity to soak in knowledge from the veterans on the team, but it wasn’t just the players who were integral to his development—it was his relationship with Ryan Day, his head coach, that truly shaped his journey.

Ryan Day took over as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019, following the departure of Urban Meyer. Day’s offensive brilliance had already been well-established during his time as the offensive coordinator, but his leadership skills as a head coach were still being defined. Despite his reputation for overseeing one of the most potent offenses in the nation, Day’s commitment to developing players on both sides of the ball has been a hallmark of his coaching style. Sawyer credits Day with making him feel welcomed and supported from the moment he arrived on campus.

Ryan Day’s Mentorship: More Than Just Football

While Day is primarily known for his offensive prowess, his ability to connect with players on a personal level and foster their development off the field is something that stands out to those who have played under him. For Jack Sawyer, Day’s mentorship was about more than just football strategy—it was about growth as an individual.

In a recent interview, Sawyer spoke candidly about how Ryan Day’s leadership and guidance have shaped him not only as a player but also as a person. Sawyer explained that Day always encouraged him to be his best, both on and off the field. Day’s coaching style focused on building confidence and instilling a sense of discipline, all while reminding Sawyer to maintain his focus on what mattered most—improving each day.

“Coach Day really taught me how to approach everything the right way,” Sawyer said. “It’s not just about playing football; it’s about taking care of yourself mentally and physically. He’s helped me develop my mindset and approach to the game. It’s been huge in my growth.”

Day’s guidance extended beyond just football technique. He made sure that his players were equipped to handle the pressures of being a student-athlete at a major program like Ohio State. With the intense scrutiny that comes with playing for such a high-profile program, it’s important for players to have the mental fortitude to handle adversity, criticism, and distractions. Sawyer reflected on how Day’s advice gave him the perspective he needed to stay focused and not get overwhelmed by the noise.

“Coach Day always talks about keeping a level head and not getting too high or too low,” Sawyer said. “That’s been really valuable for me, especially as I’ve grown into a more prominent role on the team.”

The Breakout Season: Jack Sawyer’s Rise to Stardom

The turning point for Jack Sawyer came during the 2025 season, when he truly began to showcase his talents and live up to the expectations that surrounded him. After a strong freshman campaign in which he showed flashes of brilliance, Sawyer’s development hit a new gear under Day’s mentorship. It was clear to anyone who watched Ohio State that Sawyer had become a major force on the field.

Sawyer’s athleticism and versatility allowed him to make plays both in the backfield and against the run, providing Ohio State with a dynamic defensive weapon. His ability to rush the passer, combined with his natural instincts and high motor, made him one of the most disruptive defensive players in the country. As a result, Sawyer was recognized as one of the premier defensive ends in college football.

The 2025 season saw Sawyer accumulate significant sack totals, tackles for loss, and an increased role in the Buckeyes’ game-plans. He was no longer just a player learning the ropes; he was a key figure in Ohio State’s defensive scheme, and his emergence as a standout player was a testament to the hard work he had put in both on the field and in the film room.

“Jack has made a huge leap this year,” Ryan Day remarked during one of his press conferences. “He’s been relentless in his approach, and it shows. He’s taken ownership of his role, and his work ethic is a big reason for his success. We couldn’t be more proud of the way he’s developed.”

It was clear that Day’s influence had paid off in spades. The young defensive end had become one of the most talked-about players in college football, and his ability to consistently impact games was a direct result of his commitment to Day’s coaching.

The Culture at Ohio State: Why Jack Sawyer Thrives Under Ryan Day

The culture at Ohio State under Ryan Day has been one of accountability, commitment, and excellence. Day has built a program that consistently competes for championships, and his players reflect the standards that he has set. For Jack Sawyer, that culture was something that drew him to Ohio State in the first place and something that has helped him grow as a player.

“Ohio State has always been a place where you can be your best,” Sawyer said. “The coaches, the teammates, the facilities—it all pushes you to be better every day. Coach Day has created an environment where we all hold each other to a high standard, and that’s why we’re able to perform at such a high level.”

Day’s leadership has been a key factor in building that environment. By setting high expectations for his players while providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed, Day has created a culture where talent can flourish. This culture has allowed Sawyer to grow into one of the premier defensive players in college football.

What’s Next for Jack Sawyer and Ohio State?

Looking ahead, Jack Sawyer’s potential is boundless. With his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, he is poised to become one of the top defensive players in college football for the remainder of his time at Ohio State. But Sawyer knows that there’s still work to be done, and he remains focused on continuing his development.

“I know there’s always room for improvement. I’ve made a lot of progress, but I’m still working to get better every day,” Sawyer said. “Coach Day’s been a big part of that. He’s helped me stay focused on my goals and what’s important to my development.”

As for Ryan Day, his continued role in shaping Sawyer’s career is clear. Day will continue to guide the young defensive end, helping him refine his skills and mentality as Sawyer looks to further his success at Ohio State and possibly beyond, to the NFL. Sawyer’s trajectory is one to watch, as his breakout season has established him as one of the key players on the Buckeyes’ defense..