Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer: Rising NFL Draft Star Shines in College Football Playoff
The highly anticipated Rose Bowl quarterfinal between the top-seeded Oregon Ducks and the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff delivered a showcase of exceptional talent, many of whom are destined for the NFL. The Buckeyes emerged victorious with a commanding 41-21 win, and among the standout performers was Ohio State’s star EDGE rusher, Jack Sawyer, whose dominance on the field reinforced his position as a projected first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
For Oregon, the loss shifts the focus to the future, as key players like offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr., quarterback Dillon Gabriel, cornerback Jabbar Muhammad, wide receiver Evan Stewart, and tight end Terrance Ferguson are expected to take center stage in the 2025 draft conversation. However, the night belonged to the Buckeyes, particularly Sawyer, who not only anchored the defense but also displayed why he’s been likened to NFL legend J.J. Watt.
Sawyer wreaked havoc on Oregon’s offensive line, applying relentless pressure on Dillon Gabriel, a Heisman Trophy finalist, and disrupting the Ducks’ high-powered attack. By halftime, Ohio State had established a commanding 34-0 lead, largely due to Sawyer’s relentless pursuit of Gabriel. The EDGE rusher recorded two tackles for loss and two sacks, making him an insurmountable obstacle for the Ducks’ offense. Gabriel, despite throwing for 299 yards and connecting with Traeshon Holden for two touchdowns, was sacked eight times, a testament to Ohio State’s defensive dominance.
After the game, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was effusive in his praise for Sawyer, calling him the “heart and soul” of the Buckeyes’ defensive front. “I can’t say enough about Jack as a leader, as a person,” Day said. “He embodies what it means to be a Buckeye, and to see him playing at this level is incredible.”
Sawyer’s NFL Potential
Sawyer’s performance has only solidified his draft stock, with recent mock drafts from Pro Football Focus projecting him as the No. 25 overall pick to the Los Angeles Chargers. If Sawyer were to join the Chargers alongside former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert, it could spark an interesting dynamic for Ducks fans who witnessed his Rose Bowl dominance.
The Cotton Bowl semifinal against the No. 4 seed Texas Longhorns will provide another platform for Sawyer to showcase his skills. He’s expected to face off against Texas right tackle Cameron Williams, who missed the Peach Bowl due to a right knee strain but is slated to return for the clash with Ohio State. The matchup could be pivotal as Sawyer looks to maintain his momentum and bolster his NFL credentials.
Ohio State’s Defensive Depth
While Sawyer stole the spotlight, safety Caleb Downs also emerged as a key player for the Buckeyes. A former Alabama transfer, Downs delivered a stellar performance in the Rose Bowl, earning a team-high 81.4 tackling grade from PFF and breaking up three passes—a career-best. The sophomore has had a meteoric rise, achieving unanimous All-American status this season after a standout freshman year with the Crimson Tide in 2023. His NFL draft stock is quickly rising, making him another Buckeye to watch in the coming years.
Reflections on Ohio State’s Journey
Ohio State’s resurgence following their loss to rival Michigan has been nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting on the Buckeyes’ form, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning offered a candid assessment. “Sometimes it’s just not your day. That was us today, just like it wasn’t their day against Michigan,” Lanning said. “But in college football, it’s all about playing your best at the right time. Ohio State is clearly peaking when it matters most.”
As the Buckeyes prepare for their semifinal showdown, players like Jack Sawyer and Caleb Downs are set to play pivotal roles in Ohio State’s quest for a national title. With their NFL futures looking bright, the Cotton Bowl promises to be another must-watch stage for these rising stars.
