Jack Sawyer Breaks Silence on What It’s Really Like to Always Fall Short Against Michigan

If you think losing to your fiercest rival is the ultimate heartbreak, imagine doing it repeatedly — even while chasing a national title. Jack Sawyer lived that reality at Ohio State: a stellar career, a legendary game-sealing strip sack in the College Football Playoff semifinals, an NFL draft call from the Steelers, yet no victory over Michigan. So, what’s more important — beating “The Team Up North” or hoisting the national championship trophy? Sawyer’s no-nonsense take challenges the soul of Buckeye fandom: Can you truly cherish rivalry victories if you’re not winning the whole war? It’s a raw, honest conversation about legacy, rivalry, and what truly defines success in college football’s high-stakes playoff era. If that doesn’t make you rethink the obsession with “The Game,” nothing will. LEARN MORE.

Jack Sawyer had an amazing career at Ohio State, and yet, he was never part of a team victory over Michigan. 

During the 2024 season, Sawyer played a huge role in Ohio State’s national title run. He finished the year with 59 tackles, nine sacks and three forced fumbles. His game-sealing strip sack in the College Football Playoff semifinals is a play that fans in Columbus will never forget. 

“To make a play like that in that moment. You wanna leave a legacy behind? You become a legend. He just became a legend at Ohio State,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. 

Just two weeks ago, Sawyer heard his name called in the NFL Draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him with the No. 123 overall pick. 

During an appearance on Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger’s podcast, Sawyer opened up about his shortcomings against Michigan. 

Sawyer was asked if it’s OK to lose to Michigan if it means Ohio State wins a national championship. His response was telling. 

“Winning a national championship,” Sawyer replied. “That takes no emphasis off how important The Game is. If anyone tells you they’d rather go 1-12 and just beat The Team Up North, you’re crazy. You’re playing this game to win championships. And make no mistake about it, no one wants to beat those guys more than we do. But at the end of the day, there’s nothing we could have done after that. We have our shot to go chase the ultimate goal, which is to win a national championship.”

Former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, who was also drafted by the Steelers this year, was on Roethlisberger’s podcast as well. He offered his thoughts on that question.  

“I think that the rational Buckeye fan would say, ‘Give me the championship every day of the week.’ I would hope so,” Howard said.

Obviously, Ohio State fans don’t want to lose to Michigan. But you don’t pass up a national title just because of a rivalry. 

Clearly, Howard and Sawyer understand that trophies matter far more in a college football landscape that features a 12-team playoff. 

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