ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jack Sawyer's moment of glory arrived when it mattered most. With just over two minutes left in the Cotton Bowl, and his Ohio State Buckeyes clinging to a 21-14 lead against the Texas Longhorns, Sawyer made history. The defensive lineman stripped the ball from Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers, his former roommate, and raced 83 yards for what would be the clinching touchdown, leading Ohio State to a 28-14 victory and securing their place in the national championship game.
Quinshon Judkins, another standout for the Buckeyes, had already run for two touchdowns earlier, but it was Sawyer's fumble return, the longest of its kind in College Football Playoff history, which truly swung momentum. Ohio State improved to 13-2, and can now aim for their sixth national title. They will face Notre Dame, the Orange Bowl champions, on January 20.
"I almost blacked out when I saw nothing but green grass ahead of me," Sawyer remarked after the game, reflecting on the dramatic finish. His touchdown was the decisive play of the contest, sealing the win and sending Ohio State back to the national stage again, evoking memories of their previous success in the Cotton Bowl.
For much of the game, the Buckeyes struggled to assert dominance. Despite taking an early lead with Judkins' 9-yard run, they allowed Texas to stay close. Ewers capped off Texas' first-half efforts with a touchdown pass to Jaydon Blue, tying the game just before halftime.
That connection revitalized the Longhorns, and they appeared poised for another scoring opportunity as they moved within inches of Ohio State's goal line, thanks to back-to-back pass interference penalties against the Buckeyes' defense. But Ohio State’s defense held firm, forcing Texas to surrender yardage with strong tackles from Lathan Ransom and the entire defensive unit.
After Ohio State took the lead with another Judkins touchdown, the Longhorns found themselves facing fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line. Ewers' pass attempt was deflected, setting the stage for Sawyer's game-changing play. "I was just thinking, 'I gotta stay on my feet,'" Sawyer recalled. His determination and quick reflexes turned what looked like another chance for the Longhorns to equalize — and possibly send the game to overtime —into one of the most memorable plays of the season.
Texas had moved downfield as Ewers connected with Blue for their second touchdown, tying the game at 14. With both teams exchanging blows, the pressure mounted on both sides. When it counted, Sawyer's defense stepped up to transform the game's fate, throttling Texas’ run game and capitalizing on Ewers’ misstep.
"It sucks, man," Ewers expressed after the game, acknowledging the emotional toll of the moment. His frustrations were palpable, reflecting the intensity of the rivalry reignited by their prior friendship. The loss marked another difficult chapter for Texas, failing to capitalize on their opportunities, as they now face another year without the national title they last captured with Vince Young back in 2005.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day praised Sawyer's performance, saying, "To make a play like this, you become a legend. He just became a legend at Ohio State." The significance of this statement was not lost on the players, especially after the tumultuous road leading up to this moment.
After the heart-wrenching loss to archrival Michigan just weeks before, many had begun questioning the Buckeyes' season. With calls for changes circulating, Sawyer and his senior classmates chose to return for “one last ride,” and they have made sure to leave their mark. Along with his heroic fumble return, Sawyer recorded three tackles and two pass breakups against Texas, demonstrating his multifaceted skillset and commitment on the field.
Looking forward, Sawyer and the Buckeyes are ready for their next challenge against Notre Dame. While this game serves as the culmination of hard work and perseverance, it also presents yet another opportunity for Ohio State to reclaim its former glory. Sawyer's play has everyone buzzing, his name etched not only among the legends of Ohio State history but among college football’s elite.
With the national championship on the horizon, Sawyer and his teammates will carry the momentum of their Cotton Bowl victory along with the confidence built through their hard-earned playoff run. But for now, as Sawyer celebrated his moment at AT&T Stadium, dreams forged by countless hours of practice have aligned for this moment of triumph.
The Buckeyes look to build on this monumental win, holding firm to the dream of bringing another national title home to Columbus.