Captain Buckeye Jack Sawyer stands at the center of an unforgettable moment in Arlington, Texas. A considerable distance from the stage where Ohio State head coach Ryan Day would soon lift the Cotton Bowl trophy, Sawyer’s defining play was still fresh in the minds of fans. With the final buzzer echoing, a communications representative for the Buckeyes held onto a football, a symbol of Sawyer’s incredible 83-yard scoop-and-score that had just propelled his team into the national championship game. This ball, now a cherished keepsake, was entrusted to Jerry Emig, the program’s sports information director, with a simple yet poignant request from Sawyer: “Hold onto it. Don’t give it away.”
Sawyer’s emotions on that cold November day reflected a deep frustration. As an Ohio native, he had endured a string of defeats against Michigan, and the weight of his 2021 recruiting class’s unfulfilled ambitions weighed heavily on him. Despite their talent, Sawyer and his classmates were set to leave Ohio State without a victory over their rivals or a Big Ten title. This reality fueled the urgency for the Buckeyes; anything less than a national championship would be seen as a failure, potentially jeopardizing Coach Day’s position.
The determination spread among the senior class, a group that boasted seven five-star prospects, including standout players like JT Tuimoloau and Emeka Egbuka. Each athlete carried their own burdens, with Egbuka lamenting his lack of accolades despite being Ohio State’s leading receiver. Cornerback Denzel Burke’s bold proclamation of “natty or bust” echoed through the season, reminding everyone of the stakes. As they entered the College Football Playoff, each player was ready to prove their worth.
“This is why we all chose to come to Ohio State,” said Donovan Jackson, underscoring the shared resolve of the 2021 recruiting class. The national title game hinged on a tense moment: Ohio State led 21-14, but Texas was threatening to score. With the ball on the 1-yard line and just over four minutes remaining, a voice from the coaching box remarked on Texas’s rapid advance. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’s response, “They ain’t scored yet,” would soon prove to be a pivotal statement.
The Buckeye defense stepped up, pushing Texas back and forcing a crucial third-and-goal. Sawyer, relentless in his pursuit, pressured Ewers into a hurried throw that fell incomplete. After several near misses, Sawyer finally made his mark on fourth-and-goal, stripping the ball from Ewers and sprinting towards the end zone, a moment that felt almost surreal to him.
“It was surreal,” Sawyer admitted, reflecting on the adrenaline of the play. With teammates rallying behind him, he crossed into the end zone, solidifying his legacy in a moment that would resonate with fans and players alike.
The celebration that followed was electric. As Sawyer and Howard addressed the crowd, the atmosphere transformed from tense to jubilant. Players donned championship gear, soaking in the moment with fans and family. Sawyer’s sister, Kyla, cheered from the stands, her excitement palpable. Clutching the trophy, Sawyer’s thoughts briefly wandered to joining his family amidst the chaos.
Exiting AT&T Stadium, Sawyer encountered a fan proudly sporting a “NATTY BOUND” jersey, a testament to the high hopes surrounding the team. The camaraderie continued in the locker room, where teammates celebrated Sawyer’s remarkable performance, acknowledging the journey from disappointment to triumph.
“You’re the No. 1 Buckeye of all time,” Egbuka declared, cementing Sawyer’s status as a team leader. In this full-circle moment, Jack Sawyer had not only embraced his role as Captain Buckeye but had also helped guide his team to the brink of a national title.
