The College Football Playoff (CFP) has always been an exciting showcase for top-tier teams, but the Rose Bowl quarterfinal matchup between the No. 1 seed Oregon Ducks and No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes brought a layer of anticipation that extended beyond the game itself. With both teams loaded with potential future NFL stars, this contest was expected to be a thrilling battle of elite talent. As the final whistle blew with Ohio State securing a 41-21 victory, it became clear that several standout players from both teams would be turning their attention to the 2025 NFL Draft.
For the Oregon Ducks, their loss to Ohio State meant the end of their National Championship aspirations, but it didn’t mark the end of their prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Several players on the roster are highly regarded, including offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr., quarterback Dillon Gabriel, cornerback Jabbar Muhammad, wide receiver Evan Stewart, and tight end Terrance Ferguson. Gabriel, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist and the leader of Oregon’s high-powered offense, passed for 299 yards in the loss, including two touchdown passes to Traeshon Holden. Despite his impressive stats, the Ducks’ offense struggled to find a rhythm against the relentless pressure applied by Ohio State’s defense, particularly from EDGE rusher Jack Sawyer.
Sawyer, who has consistently been projected as a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2025, put on a dominant performance in the Rose Bowl that has only elevated his draft stock. The defensive lineman was a one-man wrecking crew throughout the game, racking up two sacks and two tackles for loss. Sawyer’s ability to disrupt Oregon’s offense from the edge was a major factor in Ohio State’s early 34-0 lead before the Ducks were able to respond. Gabriel, who had been one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the country, struggled mightily under Sawyer’s pressure. The Ducks’ offensive line had no answer for Sawyer, and Gabriel was sacked eight times during the game, a testament to the defensive front’s suffocating play.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day lauded Sawyer’s leadership and impact on the game in his post-game remarks, emphasizing not only his physical ability but also his character. “I can’t say enough about Jack (Sawyer) as a leader, as a person,” Day said. “He really stands for what it means to be a Buckeye, and to see him playing at a high level, he’s the heart and soul of the front.” Sawyer’s combination of leadership and playmaking ability has made him one of the most sought-after defensive prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, and his performance in the Rose Bowl proved that he is capable of changing the course of a game.
For the Ducks, despite the loss, there were still moments of brilliance, particularly from Gabriel and the receiving corps. Gabriel finished with 299 yards passing, and his connection with Holden for two touchdowns showcased his ability to make plays under pressure. However, Gabriel’s success was overshadowed by the onslaught of sacks he endured, as Oregon’s offensive line failed to contain Sawyer and the rest of the Ohio State defense. Despite the defeat, Gabriel remains one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, with his skill set likely to make him a first-round pick.
As for Sawyer, his dominant performance against Oregon only fueled speculation about his future in the NFL. A recent mock draft from Pro Football Focus (PFF) projected Sawyer as the No. 25 overall pick by the Los Angeles Chargers, a selection that would land him alongside former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert. While Oregon fans might not have enjoyed watching Sawyer wreak havoc on their offense in the Rose Bowl, the thought of Sawyer joining Herbert’s squad in Los Angeles offers a silver lining for Ducks supporters. The Chargers could certainly use a dynamic pass rusher like Sawyer, and his high-level play in the Rose Bowl proved that he is ready to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Looking ahead, Sawyer’s performance in the Rose Bowl sets the stage for what could be an even more intense spotlight on him in the upcoming Cotton Bowl. Ohio State is now set to face the Texas Longhorns in the College Football Semifinals, and Sawyer’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks will be key to the Buckeyes’ success. In the Cotton Bowl, Sawyer will likely be matched up against Texas right tackle Cameron Williams, who is expected to return to the lineup after missing the Longhorns’ Peach Bowl win over Clemson due to a right knee strain.
Williams, a powerful and athletic offensive lineman, will provide a significant challenge for Sawyer, but it’s a matchup that promises to be a showcase of two future NFL players going head-to-head. Sawyer’s quickness off the edge, combined with his ability to generate pressure and finish with sacks, will be on full display against Williams, who will need to be at his best to protect Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. With the Cotton Bowl offering both teams the chance to advance to the National Championship game, the stakes are incredibly high, and Sawyer’s performance could be the difference-maker for Ohio State as they look to make a run at the title.
While much of the focus on the Cotton Bowl will naturally be on the quarterbacks—Ewers for Texas and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud—the game will also feature some of the nation’s top defensive talents, including Sawyer. His ability to disrupt the game and change its momentum could play a pivotal role in Ohio State’s pursuit of a national championship. And with NFL scouts closely monitoring his every move, Sawyer’s performance in the Cotton Bowl could further solidify his status as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 draft class.
For the Longhorns, facing a player of Sawyer’s caliber is a significant challenge, but it’s one they will need to overcome if they want to keep their National Championship hopes alive. Texas has already shown its resilience this season, bouncing back from setbacks and proving their ability to compete with the best. However, the Longhorns will need to handle Sawyer and Ohio State’s other defensive playmakers to keep their offensive attack in rhythm.
The Rose Bowl may have marked the end of Oregon’s championship run, but for players like Jack Sawyer, it was just another step toward a promising future in the NFL. With his impressive performance against the Ducks, Sawyer has firmly positioned himself as a player to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft. As Ohio State gears up for their semifinal clash with Texas, all eyes will be on Sawyer and his ability to continue wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. If he can replicate his Rose Bowl success, Sawyer could very well be the key to Ohio State’s pursuit of a national championship.
