Jack Sawyer | One More, Then Forever
One More, Then Forever
By Jack Sawyer
It’s hard to put into words what it’s like to play football at the highest level. Every moment feels like a privilege. Every snap carries the weight of years of work, pain, and sacrifice. But as I stand here on the cusp of my final season, I’m trying to capture the essence of it all. The highs, the lows, the victories, the defeats—it’s a journey that has shaped me, taught me, and, in many ways, defined me. This is the story of my final ride, my “One More, Then Forever”.
The Beginning: A Dream Realized
From the time I first picked up a football as a kid, I knew I wanted to be something special. It wasn’t about fame or accolades—it was about proving to myself that I had what it takes to compete at the highest level. Growing up in Pickerington, Ohio, football wasn’t just a sport; it was part of the culture. I watched as older players excelled on the field, their names becoming legends in our town. I wanted that too. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to be remembered.
The journey to Ohio State University was long, filled with moments of doubt and moments of triumph. From my first snap as a freshman in high school to the phone call that would change my life forever, I felt the grind. Recruiting was a whirlwind—colleges sending letters, coaches flying into town, and the world telling me I had to choose my future. But I knew where my heart was. I had always dreamed of wearing the scarlet and gray, of playing under the lights in Ohio Stadium, where legends were made.
My recruitment was surreal, but once I stepped foot on campus, I knew I was home. The atmosphere, the tradition, the energy—it all felt right. I was part of something bigger than I could have imagined. Ryan Day, the coaching staff, and my teammates welcomed me with open arms, and I felt like I was surrounded by family from day one. But it wasn’t easy. The competition was fierce. Every day was a battle to prove I belonged. But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, I found my place.
I was a freshman, and I knew that my time would come. But that didn’t stop the pressure from building. Expectations were high for me. As a 5-star recruit, I was expected to contribute immediately, to live up to the hype, to be the next big thing in Ohio State football. And while I didn’t shy away from that challenge, I also understood what it meant to play on this stage. This wasn’t just about me; this was about the legacy of the program, the fans who filled the stands every Saturday, and the players who had come before me.
The Grind: Trials, Triumphs, and Tough Decisions
The first taste of college football was everything I had imagined, and more. It was exhilarating, but it was also humbling. Practices were brutal, the playbook was thick, and the speed of the game was faster than anything I had experienced. But every step of the way, I knew I was improving, learning, and growing. The competition pushed me to be better, and I was driven to be the best.
I remember the first game I played in as a true freshman. It felt like a blur—a mix of adrenaline, nerves, and excitement. The bright lights of Ohio Stadium, the sound of the crowd roaring, the pressure of the moment—it was overwhelming, yet intoxicating. As I sprinted out onto the field, I could feel the weight of the tradition I was now part of. I wasn’t just representing myself; I was representing all the great players who had worn the uniform before me. I was carrying the legacy forward.
That first season was a rollercoaster. There were moments of brilliance, where I felt like I was unstoppable, and moments of frustration, where I questioned whether I was good enough. But I never stopped working, never stopped grinding. By the time my sophomore season rolled around, I had found my rhythm. I was starting to make plays, to contribute to the team, and to gain the respect of my coaches and teammates.
But football isn’t just about physical ability. It’s about mental toughness. And during my time at Ohio State, I was tested like never before. There were injuries, setbacks, and personal challenges that made me question everything. But through it all, I held on to one belief: that nothing worth having comes easily. And so I pushed forward, one step at a time.
My junior year was a defining moment in my career. The stakes were higher, and the expectations were even greater. We had one goal: to win a national championship. But the road to that goal was filled with obstacles—tough losses, close calls, and battles with some of the best teams in the country. We fought through it all, and in the end, we made it to the College Football Playoff.
But even then, the journey wasn’t over. The loss to Georgia in the national semifinal was a painful reminder of how fragile success can be. It was a gut-wrenching defeat, one that I will never forget. But it taught me something important: that success isn’t measured by the trophies you win or the titles you hold; it’s measured by the heart and determination you show, even when the odds are stacked against you. That loss fueled me, and I knew I had one more season to give everything I had.
The Final Ride: One More, Then Forever
Now, as I prepare for my final season, everything feels different. The pressure is there, but there’s also a sense of peace that comes with knowing this is the last time I’ll suit up for Ohio State. The memories are already starting to flood in: the early-morning workouts, the late-night film sessions, the locker room moments with my brothers. I’ve given everything to this program, and I’m ready to give it one final push.
This is my last chance to accomplish the one thing that has eluded me: a national championship. I know the road won’t be easy, but that’s what makes it worth it. We’ve got the talent, the heart, and the drive to get it done. And it’s not just for me—it’s for my teammates, for my coaches, for the fans, and for everyone who has supported me along the way. This is bigger than any individual; this is about Ohio State football.
But beyond the pursuit of a title, my final season is about something else. It’s about closure. It’s about looking back on everything I’ve accomplished and knowing that I gave it my all. It’s about honoring the journey, no matter how it ends. Whether we win the national championship or not, I will walk off that field knowing that I gave everything I had to the sport I love.
I think back to when I was a kid, watching my heroes on the field, dreaming that one day I would be one of them. Now, as I stand on the brink of my final season, I realize something important: I already am one of them. The journey has been long, but it has been worth every second. And no matter what happens in 2025, I will leave behind a legacy—a mark on this program, on the fans, and on the game itself.
The Legacy
When people look back on my time at Ohio State, I want them to remember the effort, the passion, and the commitment. I want them to remember the relentless pursuit of greatness, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. And I want them to know that I gave it everything I had—on the field and off. Football has shaped me, molded me into who I am today. It’s been my life, my passion, and my greatest challenge.
But as much as football has given me, it’s also taken from me. The physical toll, the emotional strain, the long hours—it’s all part of the price of greatness. Yet, as I step into my final season, I know that every sacrifice has been worth it. The pain, the heartbreak, the struggle—it’s all led me to this moment.
This is my final chance to finish what I started, to end my career on my terms, with the ultimate prize in hand. But no matter the outcome, I’ll know that I gave it everything I had.
One more, then forever. That’s what this season is about. The final ride, the final push, and the final chapter in a journey that has defined my life. I’ll give it everything I have, and when it’s all said and done, I’ll know that I’ve left it all on the field.
Because in the end, it’s not about how you finish. It’s about how you fight, how you push through, and how you never give up on the dream. And that’s exactly what I plan to do—one more, then forever.
