Jack Sawyer’s Heroic Performance Leads Ohio State to 2025 National Championship

Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 23
January 12, 2025 — Inglewood, California

In a thrilling College Football Playoff National Championship that will go down in history, Ohio State claimed its first national title since 2014, securing a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame. A victory that was nothing short of a monumental achievement for the program, with defensive end Jack Sawyer emerging as the hero of the game. In a performance that was as dominating as it was inspiring, Sawyer provided the spark for the Buckeyes’ defense when they needed it most, helping propel Ohio State to its first national championship in a decade.

The Stage is Set

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship game was billed as one of the most exciting matchups in recent memory. Notre Dame, led by their explosive offense and a defense that had proved formidable throughout the season, was looking to add to its storied history and capture its first national championship since the 1988 season. Meanwhile, Ohio State, with its roster stacked with talent, was ready to continue its own legacy of dominance, having last won the national championship in 2014. The game was set to be a battle of offenses, but no one could have predicted how a defensive play would shift the momentum and define the outcome of the championship.

As the game kicked off in front of a packed crowd at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, it was clear from the outset that both teams were well-prepared for the stakes. Notre Dame came out with confidence, and their offense moved the ball with a sense of purpose. Quarterback Drew Pyne was sharp early, finding wide receiver Tobias Merriweather for a 34-yard gain on their first possession. The Fighting Irish offense, led by star running back Audric Estimé, mixed up the play calling with a balanced attack that kept Ohio State’s defense on its heels.

On the other side, Ohio State’s offense, guided by star quarterback Kyle McCord and the dynamic running back TreVeyon Henderson, was eager to prove their own worth. However, despite some early success, the Buckeyes faced significant challenges against Notre Dame’s fast and disciplined defense. The Fighting Irish were able to limit explosive plays early, forcing Ohio State to earn their yards methodically.

But while the offenses were trading punches early in the game, it was the defense that would eventually take center stage. The stage was set for a defensive star to rise, and that star was Jack Sawyer.

Jack Sawyer: The Defensive Engine

The 2025 season had already been a breakout year for Jack Sawyer. A player who had always been highly touted for his physical ability and pass-rushing prowess, Sawyer had evolved into one of the top defensive ends in the country. His relentless motor, quick first step, and ability to disrupt plays had made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks all season long. Yet, no one could have predicted just how pivotal Sawyer would be in the biggest game of his life.

As the first half unfolded, it was clear that Notre Dame had control of the game early on. Their offense was finding rhythm, and the Ohio State defense, while talented, was struggling to keep pace. The Buckeyes’ defensive line was having difficulty getting consistent pressure on Pyne, and the Fighting Irish were taking advantage of Ohio State’s secondary by spreading the field with their wide receivers.

Despite the early challenges, the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator Jim Knowles remained confident in his unit’s ability to adjust. As the second quarter wore on, Knowles began to dial up more exotic blitzes and stunts in an effort to get pressure on Pyne. It was then that Jack Sawyer began to make his presence known.

On a critical third-and-eight late in the second quarter, with the Fighting Irish leading 17-13, Notre Dame looked poised to extend their drive and potentially put more points on the board before halftime. The play began with Sawyer lining up on the edge of the defensive line, facing off against Notre Dame’s left tackle. As the ball was snapped, Sawyer exploded off the line, using a quick inside move to evade the block of the left tackle. Pyne, who had been steady all game, dropped back to pass but was immediately met by the powerful rush of Sawyer. In a flash, Sawyer was in Pyne’s face, forcing him to scramble. Just as Pyne looked for an outlet pass, Sawyer lunged, getting a hand on the quarterback’s shoulder and throwing him to the ground for a sack.

The momentum of the game shifted instantly. The stadium erupted as Sawyer’s sack brought the Notre Dame offense to a screeching halt, forcing them to punt. What seemed like a sure touchdown drive for the Irish had been thwarted by a play that exemplified Jack Sawyer’s tenacity, speed, and football IQ. Ohio State was back in the game, and Sawyer was the catalyst for the defensive shift that was about to follow.

A Defensive Juggernaut Unleashed

As the second half began, the Ohio State defense, fueled by Sawyer’s momentum-changing play, started to impose its will on Notre Dame. The Buckeyes adjusted their defensive strategy, bringing more pressure and making it clear to Pyne and his offensive line that their ability to protect the quarterback would be tested to the fullest.

Jack Sawyer was at the center of it all.

Midway through the third quarter, with the game still tight at 20-17 in favor of Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish faced another third-and-long situation. Pyne dropped back to pass, but this time, Sawyer wasn’t going to let him escape. With a burst of speed, Sawyer beat his blocker to the outside, looping around and forcing Pyne to step up in the pocket. But just as Pyne tried to escape, Sawyer broke free from his containment, wrapping up the quarterback and bringing him down for his second sack of the game. This time, the sack pushed Notre Dame back even further, effectively ending their drive and forcing them to punt again.

In addition to his sack production, Sawyer also became a disruptive force against the run. On several key rushing plays, he was able to shed blockers and make stops in the backfield. His ability to read plays, anticipate the ball carrier’s movements, and close space quickly was on full display as he helped Ohio State stymie Notre Dame’s ground game.

But it wasn’t just his physical abilities that made him a game-changer; Sawyer’s leadership and passion also played a huge role in rallying his teammates. With every big play he made, the Ohio State defense grew more confident, and their energy surged. The Buckeyes, who had seemed vulnerable in the first half, were now playing with a chip on their shoulder, and it was clear that the tides had turned.

The Final Blow

As the game entered the fourth quarter, the pressure on Notre Dame was mounting. Ohio State had taken a 27-23 lead on a touchdown run by TreVeyon Henderson, but there was still time left on the clock for the Fighting Irish to respond. On Notre Dame’s next drive, with just under six minutes remaining, the Fighting Irish had a chance to move the ball down the field and potentially retake the lead.

But Jack Sawyer wasn’t about to let that happen.

On a pivotal third-and-seven, Sawyer once again took advantage of his speed and technique. Lined up on the edge, he sprinted past his blocker and, with a burst of energy, got to Pyne just as he released the ball. The pass was errant, floating high and wide, and was easily intercepted by Ohio State’s cornerback Denzel Burke. The interception essentially sealed the game for the Buckeyes, as they now had possession with a chance to run out the clock.

With Notre Dame’s hopes dashed, Sawyer’s dominance on the field was undeniable. He had taken control of the game at critical moments, consistently delivering when the team needed him the most.

A Legacy Cemented

When the final whistle blew, signaling Ohio State’s 34-23 victory, Jack Sawyer was mobbed by his teammates in celebration. In his postgame interview, Sawyer was humble in his praise of his teammates and coaches but could not hide the joy of being crowned a national champion. “This is what we worked for all year,” he said. “I’m just thankful for my teammates and everyone who’s been a part of this journey.”

For Ohio State, the win was historic. Not only did it give the program its first national title since 2014, but it also proved that the Buckeyes were back at the pinnacle of college football. The performance of Jack Sawyer in the championship game would be remembered for years to come, as it solidified his place as one of the great defensive players in Ohio State history.

In the annals of Buckeyes football, Jack Sawyer’s name will be forever etched alongside the legends who helped lead the team to victory. His relentless play, leadership, and determination in the 2025 National Championship game will go down as one of the most memorable performances in the history of Ohio State football.

As for Sawyer, his performance in the national title game is just the beginning. With the NFL Draft on the horizon, there’s little doubt that Sawyer will be one of the top prospects in the country. But no matter where his football journey takes him, the national championship he helped secure for Ohio State will forever be a testament to his skill, passion, and leadership.

In a game that was defined by defense, Jack Sawyer rose to the occasion and delivered a performance for the ages, leading Ohio State to its second national championship and cementing his place in Buckeyes lore.