COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jack Sawyer’s experience with Ohio State football is well recorded, yet it’s seldom conveyed through his own narrative.
That shifted on Thursday when Sawyer recounted his experience in a piece released by the Players’ Tribune.
As Monday’s National Championship game against Notre Dame approached, Sawyer shared his experiences of growing up in Ohio and his aspiration to become a Buckeye.
The Pickerington local recounted how he frequently requested his dad to play football in the front yard, aware that a brief 10-minute game would extend to two hours.
In these times, Sawyer mentioned that he typically donned a James Laurinaitis jersey — the ex-Ohio State linebacker who is now coaching the group for Ryan Day.
“I existed and perished with Ohio State football,” Sawyer wrote.
Recent news on the Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State’s offense against Notre Dame’s defense: Analyzing Jeremiah Smith, Xavier Watts, and additional insights: Buckeye Talk podcast.
Ohio State versus Notre Dame football: These three matchups might determine the National Championship game.
Five-star 2026 quarterback includes Ohio State in his final school choices.
What caused a walk-on and content creator to part ways with the Ohio State football team?
Sawyer was 12 years old in the 2014 season, which included a nonconference defeat to Virginia Tech.
“I recall the bus journey to school the following Monday; we were essentially expressing sympathy — a group of sixth graders glancing at one another and saying, Hey, dude.” “I’m sorry for your sorrow,” Sawyer wrote.
That season changed, however, as the Buckeyes pursued a national championship.
“After that, I largely devoted my childhood to hoping I could hit fast-forward — eager to slam that button and finish it quickly, so I could reach the moment when I’m playing on Saturdays at the Shoe,” Sawyer wrote.
Sawyer explained that he was the initial player to pledge to OSU under Day’s leadership as the head coach. He referred to himself as an “easy” recruit due to his strong desire to play at Ohio State.
Nonetheless, he acknowledges that his career did not begin as planned. Sawyer remarked that he didn’t perform up to his potential as a freshman and sophomore, a period during which he recognized Day’s real nature.
“Truly, he regarded me more as a son,” Sawyer stated. “He would inform me whenever he felt disappointed and when there was an area I needed to improve.” However, he would never attempt to ‘prove a point’ with me by acting like one of those dictator types — he consistently made me feel like a person.
He stated that Day is the same individual off-camera as he is when the cameras are on. This is one reason Sawyer and his teammates are so dedicated to supporting Day.
Sawyer revealed that Day had to take his children out of school following one of the recent four defeats to Michigan. Classmates and even teachers were making things difficult for Day’s children, implying they should get out of town.
“Sawyer wrote, ‘We felt a surge of anger upon hearing that.'” “However, I believe one reason that things have occurred is due to Coach’s strong character.” He will not abandon his players in difficult situations. During the prosperous times, he desires the attention to be on us. During difficult times, he seeks the attention directed at him.
And it’s absolutely intolerable, the level of toxic nonsense he’s had to endure throughout the years. However, if you’re curious about why his players put in such intense effort for him — there you have it.
The lows contributed to Sawyer igniting a movement of players coming back for the 2024 season. Numerous players might have departed for the NFL, yet Sawyer started a group chat to talk about the possibility of addressing unfinished business.
An unnamed player, who Sawyer did not identify, contacted him just before the deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft to inform him that he wouldn’t be returning to OSU. The following morning, he altered his decision.
“That right there — that’s what this brotherhood represents,” wrote Sawyer.
Sawyer stated that it resulted in a vigorous offseason. Nonetheless, the season had its difficulties.
In October, Ohio State endured a “severely harsh” defeat at Oregon, followed by a surprising loss to Michigan in November.
“I can’t really put it into words,” Sawyer wrote. “I will never recover from that loss.” “Honestly, it’s the kind of defeat that usually leaves teams unable to recover.”
Ohio State paused for a week to process the loss before gathering for a meeting that was attended solely by players and Day.
“People were irritated, exasperated, emotions ran high, it became intense,” Sawyer noted.
Sawyer mentioned that Ohio State could choose to let the defeat against Michigan persist. Alternatively, as he stated, choose Option B: “We might rise again. Feel irritated. Secure it. Step outside. “And participate in OUR damn game.”
