Jack Sawyer is who? In the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State football DE turns into a Buckeyes legend.

In the world of college football, bowl games often serve as a stage for players to solidify their legacies and catapult themselves into the spotlight. For Jack Sawyer, the Ohio State Buckeyes’ standout defensive end, the 2025 Cotton Bowl was a defining moment in his young career. Sawyer’s performance in the game was not just another chapter in his journey—it was the moment he became a Buckeyes legend. His relentless pass rush, disruptive playstyle, and leadership on the field were a key factor in Ohio State’s victory, and in doing so, he secured his place in the history of one of the most storied programs in college football.

In this article, we’ll dive into who Jack Sawyer is as a player, his journey through Ohio State football, his breakout moment in the Cotton Bowl, and why his performance in that game marked a pivotal moment for his legacy and for the Buckeyes’ 2025 season.

Jack Sawyer: The Player

Jack Sawyer’s journey to becoming a legend at Ohio State began well before his remarkable performance in the Cotton Bowl. A native of Pickerington, Ohio, Sawyer was a highly regarded recruit, drawing attention from all over the country as one of the top defensive prospects in his class. A consensus five-star recruit, Sawyer was ranked among the best players in the nation and was a coveted member of Ohio State’s 2022 recruiting class. His combination of size, athleticism, and quickness made him a unique prospect, and expectations for his future success were high.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 270 pounds, Sawyer has the physical attributes of a prototypical edge rusher. His speed off the line of scrimmage, combined with his ability to shed blockers, made him a nightmare for opposing offenses even in his first season. Throughout his early years at Ohio State, Sawyer showed flashes of brilliance—he was a disruptive force, capable of generating pressure on quarterbacks and providing Ohio State’s defense with a much-needed presence on the edge.

However, the transition to a major college football program is never easy, even for the most talented players. Like many young defensive players, Sawyer had to adjust to the pace and complexity of college football. But with the guidance of Ohio State’s coaching staff, particularly defensive line coach Larry Johnson, Sawyer refined his skills and matured into one of the top pass rushers in the Big Ten. By his third season, Sawyer had emerged as a dominant force in the defensive front, with a reputation for relentless pursuit and an ability to disrupt the game.

Sawyer’s Role in the Ohio State Defense

In the 2025 season, Jack Sawyer’s role as a defensive leader for the Ohio State Buckeyes became even more prominent. Under head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes’ defense adopted a more aggressive, attack-oriented approach, and Sawyer was the perfect player to anchor that philosophy. Alongside standout players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Tyleik Williams, Sawyer formed a formidable defensive front that had the ability to pressure quarterbacks and stifle opposing offenses. His role as an edge rusher made him a key piece in the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme, as his ability to disrupt the quarterback and shut down running plays on the outside was critical to Ohio State’s overall success.

In 2025, Sawyer’s presence was felt throughout the season as he recorded multiple sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles. His leadership and ability to make plays in critical moments made him a standout player for Ohio State, and the expectations for his performance in the Cotton Bowl were high.

The 2025 Cotton Bowl: A Moment of Glory

The 2025 Cotton Bowl pitted the Ohio State Buckeyes against one of the most formidable teams in college football: the Texas Longhorns. Both teams entered the game with championship aspirations, and the matchup was expected to be an all-out war. For Sawyer, the game represented an opportunity to show the college football world what he was capable of and take his game to the next level.

In front of a packed AT&T Stadium and a national television audience, Jack Sawyer rose to the occasion. From the opening whistle, it was clear that he was in the zone. The game would be remembered as one of the most intense and competitive matchups of the season, with both teams going back and forth in a high-stakes battle.

Key Moments from Sawyer’s Performance:

1. The First Half: Early Impact The game was closely contested in the first half, with both teams exchanging big plays. Early on, Sawyer’s presence was immediately felt. He consistently beat Texas offensive linemen off the edge, pressuring Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and forcing him to make rushed throws. Sawyer’s ability to disrupt the pocket was instrumental in keeping Texas from getting into a rhythm offensively. In one key play, Sawyer forced Ewers to scramble out of the pocket, resulting in an incomplete pass and forcing Texas to punt. It was a moment that showed Sawyer’s potential to impact the game without necessarily recording a sack.
2. The Turnaround: Sawyer’s Dominant Second Half As the second half unfolded, Sawyer’s performance became more and more impactful. With the game tied and both teams looking for a decisive play, Sawyer took over. The Longhorns were driving, attempting to capitalize on a series of successful plays, when Sawyer made his first big play of the game. On a third-and-long, Sawyer exploded off the edge, evading a Texas tackle and sacking Quinn Ewers for a massive loss. The sack was a momentum-shifting play that forced Texas to settle for a field goal attempt, which they missed. The crowd erupted as Sawyer’s clutch play kept the game tied and set the stage for a dramatic finish.

   But Sawyer wasn’t done. Later in the second half, with Ohio State leading by a slim margin, Sawyer again wreaked havoc on the Texas offensive line. On a crucial drive with just minutes left, Sawyer fought through a double-team and sacked Ewers once more, this time forcing a fumble that Ohio State recovered. It was a game-changing moment that gave the Buckeyes offense a short field to work with, and they capitalized by scoring a touchdown to put the game out of reach.

3. The Final Whistle: Legacy-Building Moment As the clock wound down, Ohio State had successfully stymied Texas’ final push, and the Buckeyes secured a 38-24 victory. Jack Sawyer’s performance in the Cotton Bowl had made him the talk of college football. With two sacks, a forced fumble, and several pressures on the quarterback, Sawyer’s impact on the game could not be overstated. He had played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s victory and had cemented his place as a Buckeyes legend in one of the most high-profile games of the season.

The Legacy of Jack Sawyer: From Talent to Hero

Jack Sawyer’s performance in the 2025 Cotton Bowl was the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and natural talent. It was the moment when he transformed from a highly regarded prospect to a college football hero. For Ohio State fans, it was a performance that will live on in the program’s lore, forever remembered as one of the defining moments of the team’s 2025 season.

But beyond the statistics and the highlights, Sawyer’s performance was a testament to his growth as a player and a leader. His ability to rise to the occasion in such a big game showed that he had not only the physical tools but also the mental toughness to handle the pressure of a national spotlight. In many ways, it mirrored the path of great Ohio State defensive players before him, including the likes of Chase Young and Nick Bosa—players who made their names in big games and became synonymous with the program’s tradition of elite defensive play.

As Sawyer’s career at Ohio State continues, the Cotton Bowl performance will undoubtedly serve as the benchmark for future success. However, it is also just the beginning. Sawyer’s potential as an NFL prospect is immense, and his performance in the Cotton Bowl has put the college football world on notice. With several years left to play for Ohio State, Sawyer has the opportunity to build on this performance and continue to elevate his game.

The Buckeyes’ Future: Building Around Sawyer

Looking ahead, Jack Sawyer’s performance in the Cotton Bowl will play a key role in shaping the future of Ohio State football. As one of the top defensive players in the country, Sawyer will continue to be a centerpiece of the Buckeyes’ defense. Ryan Day and his staff will build around Sawyer’s leadership and playmaking ability, knowing that they have one of the nation’s top pass rushers in their lineup.

Ohio State’s defense, which has traditionally been known for producing elite edge rushers, will likely lean heavily on Sawyer in the upcoming seasons. With his combination of speed, strength, and football IQ, Sawyer will be a force to be reckoned with in both the Big Ten and on the national stage. The 2025 season was a breakout year for him, and it’s only the beginning.