Pete Carroll Calls Ohio State and Ryan Day for Skull Session “Amazing,” Jack Sawyer Continues to Reflect on His

In the world of college football, there are few things more exciting than when legendary coaches connect to share insights, strategies, and experiences. One such moment recently occurred when Pete Carroll, the long-time head coach of the Seattle Seahawks and former head coach of USC, made a call to Ohio State head coach Ryan Day to take part in an iconic “Skull Session” at Ohio State University. For Carroll, the opportunity to speak to the Buckeyes football program was a chance to impart wisdom, share his experiences, and continue to impact the next generation of athletes. For Jack Sawyer, a star defensive end for Ohio State, the session was a powerful reminder of the journey he’s been on — and the paths he still hopes to forge.

The Skull Session, an event that is a staple of Ohio State’s football program, is an opportunity for coaches, former players, and special guests to address the team and provide motivation, guidance, and perspective. It’s more than just a speech; it’s a chance to connect with the program’s rich tradition, and for a coach like Pete Carroll to interact with the passionate Ohio State faithful is a testament to the program’s stature and influence in the world of college football.

For Jack Sawyer, a former 5-star recruit and one of the most highly regarded defensive players in college football, the opportunity to reflect on the words of a legend like Pete Carroll was significant. As Sawyer continues to navigate his own college football journey, moments like the Skull Session only reinforce the work ethic and mentality he has built through years of training, dedication, and sacrifice.

Pete Carroll’s Connection to College Football

Before diving into the Skull Session itself, it’s important to understand the significance of Pete Carroll’s presence and influence in the football world. Carroll, now in his 70s, has had an incredibly successful coaching career at both the collegiate and professional levels. He became a household name as the head coach of USC, where he led the Trojans to two national championships, multiple Pac-10 titles, and a record of consistent excellence throughout his tenure. Carroll’s energy, optimism, and unique coaching style made him a beloved figure in college football, and his ability to motivate his teams to achieve greatness became a hallmark of his career.

Carroll’s transition to the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks only further solidified his place in football history. Under his leadership, the Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII and made consistent playoff appearances, building a culture of toughness, discipline, and accountability. As a result, Carroll’s name is associated with not just football success, but with leadership, resilience, and creating a culture of excellence.

When Pete Carroll calls Ryan Day, it is not just another phone call. It’s a connection between two coaches who share a mutual respect for the game and the work that goes into building a championship program. Day, who took over as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019, has continued the program’s legacy of excellence, leading the Buckeyes to multiple College Football Playoff appearances and maintaining their reputation as one of the top programs in the nation.

The Skull Session with Carroll was more than just a casual meeting; it was a moment for the Ohio State players to hear directly from one of the game’s most influential figures. For Ryan Day, it was an opportunity to bring in a voice of experience to motivate and inspire his players. And for the players themselves, it was a chance to hear about the mindset and approaches that led to Carroll’s success, providing them with valuable lessons on leadership, perseverance, and the drive to be great.

The Skull Session: A Unique Tradition

The Skull Session at Ohio State has long been a tradition of excellence. For those unfamiliar with the event, the Skull Session is a pregame ritual where the Buckeyes gather to hear from coaches, alumni, and special guests before they take the field. It’s typically held at the St. John Arena on campus and is an event that fills the space with energy, enthusiasm, and anticipation. The Skull Session isn’t just about football—it’s about connecting with the history and tradition of Ohio State, and the speakers who come through offer wisdom and guidance that extends beyond the gridiron.

In addition to the players and coaching staff, the Skull Session draws a large crowd of Ohio State fans, who create an electric atmosphere as they prepare to support their team in a crucial matchup. For Ryan Day, having Pete Carroll speak to the team was a way of sharing the spirit of competition and leadership that transcends different levels of football.

Carroll’s message to the team resonated deeply. Drawing from his time as a coach at both USC and in the NFL, he shared valuable insights on how to build a championship culture, how to handle adversity, and how to approach each season with a fresh mindset. His stories and experiences weren’t just about winning; they were about the relentless pursuit of excellence and the value of staying true to one’s core beliefs as a coach and leader.

Carroll’s Emphasis on Building a Championship Culture

One of the key themes that Carroll emphasized during his Skull Session speech was the importance of building a championship culture. For Carroll, success in football isn’t just about talent—it’s about creating an environment where players are inspired to push themselves to be their best every day. Carroll spoke about the challenges of coaching at the highest levels and the importance of developing a mindset that fosters growth, resilience, and trust among players.

At the core of Carroll’s philosophy is the concept of creating a culture of competition. He encouraged Ohio State’s players to embrace competition at every level of their game, whether it’s against their teammates in practice or their opponents on Saturdays. In Carroll’s eyes, competition is the key to growth. He urged the Buckeyes to approach every challenge with a mindset that they are not just playing to win, but to constantly improve.

Carroll also stressed the value of trust within the team. Building trust among players, coaches, and staff is essential for creating a cohesive unit that can overcome any obstacle. This kind of trust isn’t just about having faith in each other’s abilities—it’s about believing in the team’s collective vision and working toward a common goal. For Ohio State, that goal is clear: to compete for championships year in and year out.

Jack Sawyer Reflects on His Journey

For Jack Sawyer, the Skull Session with Pete Carroll provided a moment of reflection on his own journey as a football player. Sawyer, a 5-star recruit from Pickerington, Ohio, entered Ohio State with a wealth of expectations. As one of the top defensive recruits in the country, Sawyer was expected to make an immediate impact on the field and eventually become one of the top players in college football. Since joining Ohio State, Sawyer has shown flashes of brilliance, but he also understands the work and dedication required to reach his full potential.

As a defensive end, Sawyer is constantly seeking ways to improve his game. With a 6-foot-5, 260-pound frame, he possesses the physical attributes to dominate at the next level. However, Sawyer has always understood that talent alone isn’t enough to succeed in college football. It’s the mental side of the game that often separates the best players from the rest, and it’s something that Carroll’s words resonated with.

Reflecting on his journey, Sawyer acknowledged the importance of learning from experienced coaches and players who have walked the path before him. Carroll’s emphasis on maintaining a competitive mentality and building a championship culture reinforced Sawyer’s commitment to his own growth. For Sawyer, the Skull Session was a reminder that his journey is far from over. The lessons that Carroll shared about handling adversity, building trust, and striving for greatness are things that he continues to embrace as he works toward his own football goals.

The Path Forward: Sawyer’s Role in Ohio State’s Defense

As Sawyer moves forward into the next chapter of his college career, the lessons he learned from the Skull Session will continue to shape his development as a player. For him, the road to success is about continuing to refine his skills and finding ways to contribute to Ohio State’s defense. In addition to his physical tools, Sawyer understands the importance of developing his football IQ and leadership qualities. He’s not just trying to be the best defensive end he can be—he’s striving to be the best teammate, leader, and contributor to the program.

Sawyer’s presence on the field is a key part of Ohio State’s defense, and as the Buckeyes look to make another run at the College Football Playoff, they will need him to be a leader and playmaker. Whether he’s rushing the passer, setting the edge against the run, or dropping into coverage, Sawyer will be tasked with making plays in critical moments. And, much like the message that Pete Carroll delivered, Sawyer will be ready to meet the challenge with a “closer mentality”—playing with urgency, resilience, and the mindset that every moment matters.

The Impact of the Skull Session

Pete Carroll’s visit to Ohio State and his participation in the Skull Session with Ryan Day’s program was an invaluable moment for the Buckeyes. Not only did it provide the team with insights from one of the most accomplished coaches in football history, but it also served as a reminder of the importance of building a championship culture. For players like Jack Sawyer, the event was an opportunity to reflect on their journeys and continue to refine the mentality that will drive their success. With the lessons learned from the Skull Session, Ohio State’s defense — and players like Sawyer — are ready to face whatever challenges come their way as they pursue greatness.