OSU’s win over Texas on Friday felt like a movie script came to life, even though the ending was gut-wrenching for Longhorn fans. With just over two minutes remaining in the 4th quarter of the Cotton Bowl, the Longhorns were behind by a TD and had one more opportunity to equalize the score at OSU’s eight-yard line. Texas QB Quinn Ewers, who transferred from OSU, dropped back on fourth-and-goal before Buckeyes DE Jack Sawyer promptly fired him. Sawyer, however, wasn’t finished yet. He snatched the ball away from Ewers, got it back, and ran for an 83-yard TD in a wide-open field, giving OSU the lead, 28-14, which was the final score.

According to ESPN’s broadcast, it’s the longest scoop-and-score in CFP history. So, you’re probably dying to find out more about OSU DE. Well, following a stellar high school career, Sawyer chose OSU over more esteemed institutions like Michigan and Notre Dame. Sawyer has participated in more than 50 games since attending OSU in 2021, and as of December 2024, he had recorded notable stats such as 64 solo tackles, 72 assists, 26 tackles for loss, and 20 sacks. He has also contributed by forcing fumbles and making interceptions. He is regarded as one of the best DEs in CFB and was named to the Second Team All-Big Ten twice in 2023 and 2024.

And for his outstanding Cotton Bowl performance. Are you aware of his gains? He won the Cotton Bowl MVP award. In addition, this season he was named the OCC-Ohio Division Defensive Player of the Year. Power and strength at the point of play are hallmarks of Sawyer’s style of play. He has demonstrated promise as a pass-rusher with a strong motor and succeeds in run defense by taking on blocks successfully.

Moreover, he was a standout basketball and football player at Pickerington High School North. He began his career as a backup tight end before switching to defensive end, where he demonstrated his abilities by amassing 62 tackles and six sacks in his sophomore season.

There is a twist in the relationship between Jack Sawyer and Ewers, though. Perhaps you are unaware of that. Let’s take a closer look.

Jack Sawyer’s Connection with Texas QB

Jack Sawyer claimed to have blacked out throughout the amazing play in the Cotton Bowl. However, as ESPN and NBC News pointed out, Sawyer was the quarterback’s roommate while he was still at Ohio State, which is the true dagger against Texas and Ewers in particular.

An interview clip of Sawyer discussing Ewers was shown on the ESPN broadcast following the TD return. Where Jack Sawyer stated, “Quinn was my roommate when he was here. So me and Quinn, we have a good friendship, and I’m excited to play against him. He’s a great player, had a great year, had a great career at Texas.”

Along with that, Sawyer told in his post-game interview that he briefly spotted Ewers following the game and that they had a playful time together. Sawyer stated about Ewers, “He was walking off, and he said, ‘Screw you.’ That’s my boy.”

Safe to say, Ewers would want that play to be replayed anyhow. But since Sawyer forced the fumble, it must hurt a little more. It had elements of A League of Their Own and was reminiscent of Hollywood. Now, we’ll see how the OSU DE handles his celebration after defeating his old roommate.