BREAKING NEWS: Jack Sawyer of Ohio State is dominating the college football playoffs and rising in the NFL Draft.
defensive side of the ball. From Joey Bosa to Chase Young, the Buckeyes have developed some of the most fearsome pass rushers in recent NFL history. It was clear that Jack Sawyer would have a significant opportunity to showcase his talents and learn from some of the best in the game at Ohio State.
When Sawyer arrived at Ohio State, the team was already filled with elite defensive players, many of whom were NFL-caliber talents themselves. Sawyer, however, wasn’t just any freshman; his raw potential was apparent from the start. He quickly adjusted to the speed and complexity of the collegiate game, earning significant playing time during his first year with the Buckeyes. In his sophomore season, Sawyer started to fully emerge as one of the team’s top pass rushers.
While his numbers in his first two seasons at Ohio State were solid, it wasn’t until the College Football Playoff that Sawyer truly began to show his dominance. His performances in critical games on the national stage allowed him to firmly place himself among the best defensive players in the country.
The Rise in the College Football Playoff
The College Football Playoff is one of the most prestigious stages for any college football player to showcase their talents. For Jack Sawyer, this stage became the perfect platform for him to elevate his status. In both the semifinal and final games of the 2025 CFP, Sawyer’s performances were nothing short of spectacular.
In the CFP semifinal, Ohio State faced off against a highly-ranked opponent in what turned out to be a highly competitive matchup. The opponent’s offensive line was formidable, yet Sawyer found ways to disrupt their rhythm. His ability to read the quarterback’s movements, combined with his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, allowed him to generate consistent pressure. He accounted for multiple quarterback hurries, forced a few key incompletions, and was instrumental in Ohio State’s defensive game plan, which ultimately helped the Buckeyes secure a narrow victory
Young, the 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, both spent their college careers dominating on the defensive line, much like Sawyer.
Despite the lofty comparisons, Sawyer has the potential to carve out his own legacy in the NFL. His ability to play both inside and outside on the defensive line gives him a higher ceiling in terms of position versatility, which could give him an edge in the NFL as defenses continue to evolve. Whether as a traditional pass rusher or a hybrid linebacker, Sawyer has the physical attributes and mental aptitude to excel in the NFL.
Challenges and Areas of Growth
While Sawyer has a bright future, there are areas of his game that require development before he reaches his full potential at the NFL level. For instance, his technique when rushing the passer can still be refined, particularly in terms of hand usage and the ability to counter different types of offensive linemen. Additionally, while Sawyer excels at beating blockers with his speed and power, he must continue to develop his ability to read offensive linemen’s tendencies and adjust his approach on the fly.
Further, transitioning to the NFL will present Sawyer with challenges in terms of speed and skill level. NFL offensive lines are faster and more technically refined than college lines, meaning Sawyer will need to be patient and precise with his rushes. However, these are hurdles that many elite athletes must face, and there is little doubt that Sawyer’s competitive nature and strong coaching staff will help him adapt quickly.
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