Jack Sawyer became an Ohio State legend Friday night with his scoop and score at the expense of his former roommate.
On 4th and goal, Sawyer eluded blockers and forced a Quinn Ewers fumble, which Sawyer recovered and carried 82 yards to the end zone to help the Buckeyes to a 28-14 victory over Texas and a place in the national championship.
When Ewers spent his only season in Columbus before transferring to Texas, Sawyer was his roommate.
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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) sacks Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3), forcing a fumble during the second half in the College Football Playoff Cotton Bowl Classic semifinal game at AT&T Stadium from Arlington, Texas, on January 10, 2025. Sawyer returned the fumble for a touchdown and Ohio State won 28-14. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
So, Ewers couldn’t help but punch Sawyer when they were talking on the field.
“He was walking away, he said ‘fuck you’ and started laughing,” Sawyer told ESPN.
“That’s my boy. Obviously we were roommates when he was here. We have a lot of respect for him and the rest of the Texas team.”
The Longhorns had a chance to tie the game, but a nightmare ensued. After being stuffed on first down at the goal line, Quintrevion Wisner lost seven yards on a second down, putting Texas in trouble. A third pass fell incomplete. And Sawyer’s scoop and score happened on fourth down.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) returns a fumble recovery for a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during a College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Cotton Bowl Classic on Jan. 10, 2025, at AT&T Stadium d ‘Arlington, Texas. (David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Hoping for a miracle, Ewers threw a pickaxe at the next ride and, with one fell swoop, it was all over.
Before the game, Ewers hinted that he expected to play in the NFL next season. So it will be interesting to see if his plans change.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) celebrates after winning a College Football Playoff semifinal against the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. (Jérôme Miron/Imagn Images)
Now, the eighth-seeded Buckeyes will face No. 7 Notre-Dame January 20 at the national championship. Despite Ohio State’s lower ranking, sportsbooks have the Buckeyes as favorites by more than a touchdown.
