Jack Sawyer’s Heroic Fumble Recovery Propels Ohio State to CFP Final

In a thrilling College Football Playoff Semifinal, Jack Sawyer made history with an incredible 83-yard fumble recovery, leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a 28-14 victory over the Texas Longhorns and securing their spot in the national championship game.

As the confetti rained down, Sawyer, a native of Columbus, recalled his childhood dreams of becoming an Ohio State hero. On Friday night, during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, those dreams became a reality. With just over two minutes remaining in a tense fourth-and-goal situation, Texas was poised to tie the game when Sawyer burst into action, preventing a long-hoped-for touchdown.

Sawyer tackled Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, causing the ball to pop loose. He quickly scooped it up and dashed down the field for a touchdown that will be remembered in Buckeye lore. “I almost blacked out when I saw nothing but green grass ahead of me,” Sawyer exclaimed after the game.

With this game-changing play, Sawyer not only led his team to victory but also solidified his legacy at Ohio State, as noted by head coach Ryan Day. “You want to leave a legacy behind? You become a legend. He just became a legend at Ohio State,” Day said, reflecting on the magnitude of Sawyer’s contribution.

Sawyer, alongside other seniors, chose to delay his NFL career in pursuit of one last championship run, motivated by the desire to bring home titles after a disappointing season that saw losses to rivals. “I wanted to go to the NFL and chase my dream more than the next guy,” he remarked during the summer. “But I haven’t won a championship.”

The Buckeyes’ recent struggles were fresh in their minds, particularly the heart-wrenching loss to Michigan earlier this season. However, the expanded 12-team playoff format offered Sawyer and his teammates a final chance to leave a mark on Ohio State football.

With his outstanding performance in the playoffs—culminating in this unforgettable fumble recovery—Sawyer aims to lead his team to their first national championship since 2014.

Ohio State now sets its sights on the title game against Notre Dame, with Sawyer looking forward to seizing his moment. “I love Columbus, I love the state of Ohio, I love Ohio State football,” he expressed. “And I’m so fortunate to be playing in the national championship my last year here.”