Skull Session: Pete Carroll Calls Ryan Day and Ohio State “Incredible,” Jack Sawyer Still Thinks About His Moment

In the world of college football, there are few programs that generate as much excitement, passion, and intrigue as Ohio State. The Buckeyes have a legacy of greatness and a roster that is always loaded with potential. While Ohio State’s history and present are often discussed in terms of its star players, successful seasons, and championship aspirations, the behind-the-scenes stories and the interactions between head coaches and players across the landscape of college football provide a rich narrative. One such fascinating moment occurred when legendary head coach Pete Carroll, known for his success at USC and the NFL, referred to Ryan Day and Ohio State as “incredible.” Meanwhile, one of Ohio State’s emerging stars, defensive end Jack Sawyer, continues to reflect on the pivotal moment that helped define his own journey as a Buckeye.

This Skull Session will break down the significance of Pete Carroll’s praise for Ryan Day, explore Jack Sawyer’s rising stardom and his commitment to Ohio State, and highlight the interconnected nature of college football, where coaches and players often inspire each other in unexpected ways.

Pete Carroll’s Praise for Ryan Day and Ohio State

Pete Carroll’s words carried weight. As a Hall of Fame coach, Carroll has experienced the highest of highs in college football. He brought USC to national prominence in the 2000s, leading the Trojans to multiple Pac-10 titles and a national championship in 2004. His coaching career has been marked by his larger-than-life personality, dynamic leadership, and emphasis on discipline, culture, and player development. As a coach who has seen and accomplished much, his opinion on other programs, including Ohio State, is highly respected.

When Carroll called Ryan Day and Ohio State “incredible,” it wasn’t just a throwaway compliment; it was a statement that spoke volumes. In the competitive world of college football, where rivalries and egos often take center stage, Carroll’s admiration for Day and the Buckeyes was significant. He wasn’t merely acknowledging their talent on the field but was also highlighting the culture, discipline, and structure that Ryan Day has instilled in the Ohio State program.

Ryan Day, who took over as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019 after Urban Meyer’s retirement, has quickly proven himself to be a top-tier coach in the college football world. Day’s offenses are known for their explosive power, innovative playcalling, and ability to adapt to any opponent. Under Day, Ohio State’s offense has remained among the most potent in the country, with Heisman-caliber quarterbacks, elite running backs, and a deep receiving corps. But what’s even more impressive is the way Day has developed his players not only as athletes but also as young men. His leadership style emphasizes discipline, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence, both on and off the field.

Carroll’s praise for Day is also a recognition of Ohio State’s consistent dominance. The Buckeyes have been a perennial College Football Playoff contender, constantly competing for Big Ten championships and national titles. Ohio State’s culture of winning, combined with Day’s ability to recruit top talent and develop players, makes the program one of the elite programs in the country.

In college football, success is often defined by the men who shape it—coaches, players, and the relationships they form. For someone like Pete Carroll, whose teams have defined eras of college football, to speak so highly of Ryan Day is a testament to the caliber of leadership and achievement Day has brought to Ohio State. The admiration is mutual, as Day has often expressed his respect for Carroll’s success and his contributions to the game of football.

This type of endorsement from a coach of Carroll’s stature reinforces the notion that Ohio State’s program, under Ryan Day’s leadership, is one of the most respected in the country. While rivalries are a big part of college football, moments like this remind fans and players alike that the respect within the sport runs deep, and Ohio State is very much a part of that elite company.

Jack Sawyer: A Young Player with Big Dreams

While Ryan Day and the Ohio State coaching staff continue to build a program that garners respect and admiration from coaches like Pete Carroll, the players on the field also shape the future of the Buckeyes. One such player is Jack Sawyer, a defensive end who has quickly become one of the cornerstones of Ohio State’s defense.

Sawyer, a highly touted recruit from Pickerington, Ohio, was a five-star prospect who arrived in Columbus with sky-high expectations. As a member of the 2021 recruiting class, Sawyer was viewed as one of the top defensive players in the country, and his journey to Ohio State has been one that Buckeye fans have followed with great anticipation. With his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, Sawyer has all the physical tools necessary to become one of the most dominant defensive players in the nation.

For many players, the moment they commit to Ohio State is a defining point in their careers. But for Jack Sawyer, it was one specific experience during his recruitment that continues to stand out in his mind: the moment when he was told that he would have the chance to be a part of something special. Sawyer’s decision to stay home and play for Ohio State was influenced by many factors, but it was the opportunity to contribute to a legacy of excellence that ultimately won him over.

Jack Sawyer still reflects on the day he made his decision to become a Buckeye. It wasn’t just the allure of playing in the Big Ten or competing for national titles that excited him. It was the idea of being part of a program with a rich history of greatness, where players were pushed to be their best and supported in all aspects of their development. Ohio State was not just a football program to Sawyer—it was a place where he could grow both as an athlete and as an individual.

The importance of that moment in Sawyer’s life cannot be understated. When a recruit like Sawyer commits to a program, they often have dreams of playing on the big stage, but it’s not until they experience the intensity of a college football environment that the magnitude of the decision fully sets in. For Sawyer, the weight of being part of Ohio State was always present, but it was this realization during his recruitment that solidified his commitment to the program.

Sawyer’s Journey at Ohio State

Once Sawyer arrived at Ohio State, he wasted no time making an impact. He quickly became known for his explosive burst off the line of scrimmage, his ability to read the offense, and his relentless pursuit of the quarterback. As a young player, Sawyer had the unique opportunity to learn from some of the best defensive minds in the country, including Ohio State’s defensive line coach Larry Johnson. Under Johnson’s tutelage, Sawyer developed into a more complete player, refining his technique and learning the intricacies of the game at the collegiate level.

But beyond the technical aspects of the game, it was the culture at Ohio State that made the biggest impact on Sawyer. The atmosphere within the program is one that emphasizes accountability, teamwork, and relentless work ethic. These values are instilled from the moment a player steps onto campus, and they become ingrained in everything they do. For Sawyer, it was not just about improving as a football player; it was about becoming a better person.

Sawyer’s drive to improve was evident in his work ethic on and off the field. He understood the importance of continuous growth and did not shy away from the challenges that came with playing at one of the top programs in the country. As a freshman, he had flashes of brilliance, and by his sophomore year, he was a regular contributor to Ohio State’s defense, earning the respect of coaches and teammates alike.

One of Sawyer’s most memorable moments came when he made a key play in a critical game, helping to turn the tide in Ohio State’s favor. Whether it was a sack, a forced fumble, or a pivotal stop on third down, Sawyer’s presence on the field was felt by everyone. He was no longer just a promising young player—he had established himself as one of the top defenders in college football.

The Role of Coaches and Leadership

In discussing the importance of Ohio State’s program and Jack Sawyer’s development, it’s essential to highlight the role of the coaches who have helped shape him into the player he is today. Ryan Day’s leadership style has been instrumental in building a culture of excellence within the program. Day’s focus on both player development and creating an environment where players feel supported and challenged has helped cultivate a winning mentality at Ohio State.

Similarly, Larry Johnson’s coaching has been a defining factor in Sawyer’s growth as a defensive lineman. Johnson has long been regarded as one of the best defensive line coaches in college football, and his ability to develop players like Sawyer is a testament to his expertise. Johnson’s guidance has helped Sawyer refine his pass-rushing technique, become more disciplined in his approach, and elevate his overall game to new heights.

But perhaps the most important lesson Sawyer has learned during his time at Ohio State is the value of leadership. Whether it’s in the locker room or on the field, leadership is central to the success of any program. For Sawyer, the example set by older teammates, coaches, and leaders within the Ohio State program has been a constant source of motivation. Watching leaders like Chase Young, a former Buckeye defensive star, set the standard for work ethic and performance has inspired Sawyer to push himself even further.

 A Legacy of Excellence

As Pete Carroll’s words of praise for Ryan Day and Ohio State demonstrate, the Buckeyes are not just a top-tier football program—they are a respected force in college football. The success of Ohio State, both as a team and as an institution, has had a profound impact on players like Jack Sawyer, who continues to reflect on the decision that brought him to Columbus and the journey he is on as a Buckeye.

For Sawyer, it’s not just about the accolades or the moments of glory on the field. It’s about the opportunity to be part of something greater, to contribute to a program that has long been synonymous with excellence. As he continues to develop as a player, Sawyer understands that his journey is far from over. But with each passing day, he moves closer to realizing his potential and leaving his own mark on the legacy of Ohio State football.

Pete Carroll’s respect for Ryan Day and the Ohio State program is a reminder that, in the world of college football, greatness is recognized and celebrated across the sport. For Ohio State, with leaders like Ryan Day at the helm and players like Jack Sawyer emerging as stars, the future is bright, and the legacy of excellence is set to continue for years to come.