Jack Sawyer, a standout defensive end for Ohio State, etched his name in Buckeye lore during the 2025 Cotton Bowl against Texas with a memorable scoop-and-score touchdown that highlighted his exceptional athleticism, awareness, and determination. His pivotal play not only shifted the momentum of the game but also added to the growing legend of Ohio State’s defense in high-stakes bowl games.
The Scene Setting
As the game unfolded at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, both Ohio State and Texas showcased their high-powered offenses, with each team showcasing a dynamic passing attack and a potent rushing game. Ohio State entered the game with a chip on its shoulder after a close loss in the Big Ten Championship, and Texas was looking to close its season with a statement win under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
For much of the game, the back-and-forth was intense, with both teams trading touchdowns and playing a physical brand of football. However, it was a defining defensive play in the third quarter that shifted the trajectory of the game and brought Jack Sawyer into the spotlight.
The Build-Up to the Moment
Leading up to the play, Texas had been driving the ball with a sense of urgency. Quarterback Quinn Ewers had found a rhythm, moving the ball efficiently and picking apart Ohio State’s secondary with pinpoint accuracy. Running back Bijan Robinson was also gaining chunks of yardage, forcing Ohio State’s defense to tighten up at the line of scrimmage. With the score close and the Longhorns looking to regain the lead, the pressure was on the Buckeyes’ defense to make a play.
On a key third-and-six from the Ohio State 45-yard line, the stage was set for a critical moment. Texas lined up in a shotgun formation, and Ewers was set to deliver another pass into the Buckeye secondary. But Ohio State’s defensive coordinator Jim Knowles had dialed up a creative blitz that would soon pay dividends.
The Fateful Play
As the ball was snapped, the pressure on Ewers was immediate. Ohio State’s defensive front, which had been formidable throughout the season, began to close in on the Texas quarterback. Sawyer, who had been quietly wreaking havoc on the edge all game, was in pursuit of Ewers. As the pocket collapsed, Ewers attempted to step up and escape, but in doing so, he inadvertently stepped into a crushing hit from Ohio State linebacker Tommy Eichenberg.
The impact of the hit jarred the football loose, sending it spiraling to the turf in a chaotic moment. But amidst the confusion, Jack Sawyer was in the right place at the right time. The ball bounced directly into his path, and without hesitation, Sawyer scooped it up with one hand.
The Dash for Glory
What followed was nothing short of remarkable. In an instant, Sawyer was no longer just a defensive end — he was a ball carrier. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive lineman turned into a running back, sprinting down the field with the ball securely in his hands. The crowd roared as Sawyer weaved his way through would-be tacklers, using his speed and agility to evade defenders.
With every stride, Sawyer’s confidence grew. He accelerated down the sideline, cutting across the field to avoid the pursuing Texas defenders. Despite being a defensive lineman, Sawyer’s athleticism was on full display as he maintained speed and balance. The Texas defense, stunned by the sudden turn of events, was scrambling to catch up, but Sawyer’s momentum was too much to stop.
As Sawyer neared the end zone, the last line of defense for Texas was cornerback Jerrin Thompson, who had the angle on Sawyer and was closing in fast. It was a race to the finish, and for a brief moment, it seemed like Thompson might have a shot at stopping Sawyer. But the Ohio State defensive end had other plans. With a powerful burst, Sawyer pulled away from Thompson, cutting across the field one last time to ensure there were no angles left for the Texas defender to take.
As he crossed the goal line, Sawyer’s teammates erupted in celebration, and the stadium exploded with cheers. Jack Sawyer, the player who had been primarily known for his ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the pocket, had just delivered one of the most memorable plays in Ohio State football history: a scoop-and-score touchdown in a high-stakes Cotton Bowl matchup.
The Aftermath
Sawyer’s touchdown gave Ohio State a commanding lead and seemed to take the wind out of Texas’s sails. With the momentum firmly in Ohio State’s favor, the Buckeyes’ defense fed off the energy from the play, suffocating the Longhorns’ offense on their subsequent drives. The Buckeyes’ secondary tightened up, and the defensive line, led by Sawyer, continued to put relentless pressure on Ewers. Texas was unable to recover, and Ohio State would go on to win the game, securing a 34-21 victory in the Cotton Bowl.
Sawyer’s scoop-and-score touchdown would be the defining moment of the game, and the play would be replayed endlessly in highlight reels and on sports networks for days to come. It not only showcased Sawyer’s exceptional awareness and athleticism but also solidified his place as one of the most dynamic and versatile defensive players in the country.
The Significance of the Play
Jack Sawyer’s scoop-and-score touchdown in the Cotton Bowl was more than just a defensive highlight — it was a statement. For one, it exemplified the type of game-changing plays that are often the hallmark of championship-caliber teams. Ohio State had prided itself on having a stout defense all season, and Sawyer’s play was a microcosm of the relentless pursuit and unyielding pressure that defined the Buckeyes’ defensive unit.
Moreover, the play had a symbolic significance in Ohio State’s broader postseason narrative. After coming so close to making the College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes were determined to finish their season on a high note. The Cotton Bowl victory gave the team a sense of closure and pride, especially after a season filled with high expectations and a crushing loss in the Big Ten Championship. Sawyer’s touchdown was a crowning moment in a season that saw Ohio State’s defense come of age, and it would forever be remembered by fans and players alike as one of the great individual moments in the history of Ohio State football.
A Rising Star
For Jack Sawyer, the Cotton Bowl performance marked a defining moment in his career. Entering Ohio State as one of the most highly touted recruits in the nation, Sawyer had quickly become one of the most disruptive defensive players in college football. He had made his mark as an edge rusher, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks with his combination of strength, speed, and technique.
But it was moments like the scoop-and-score touchdown that truly set Sawyer apart. His ability to stay aware of the play, pick up the loose ball, and accelerate down the field like a running back demonstrated not just physical talent but a deep understanding of the game. His instincts and athleticism were evident, and he became a household name with the kind of play that would make any defensive player a legend.
As Sawyer entered his junior year, there was little doubt that he would be one of the top defensive prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. But for now, he was enjoying the spotlight, celebrating with his teammates and basking in the glow of his remarkable performance. The Cotton Bowl touchdown was his moment, but it was also a testament to the work ethic and dedication that had brought him to this point in his career.
Conclusion
Jack Sawyer’s scoop-and-score touchdown in the 2025 Cotton Bowl was one of the most exciting and memorable moments of his career, one that cemented his place in Ohio State football history. The play exemplified his athleticism, awareness, and determination, as well as the relentless nature of Ohio State’s defense. More than just a pivotal moment in a single game, the touchdown symbolized the heart and soul of a team that refused to back down and made a statement on the national stage.
For Ohio State, it was a fitting way to cap off a successful season and a reminder of the type of game-changing plays that make college football so thrilling. For Jack Sawyer, it was a crowning achievement that would remain etched in the memories of fans for years to come.
