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Former Ohio State Star Jack Sawyer Gets Honest About Never Defeating Michigan

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 10, 2025 9:42 AM ET

Jack Sawyer had an amazing career at Ohio State, and yet, he was never part of a team victory over Michigan.

During the 2024 season, Sawyer played a huge role in Ohio State's national title run. He finished the year with 59 tackles, nine sacks and three forced fumbles. His game-sealing strip sack in the College Football Playoff semifinals is a play that fans in Columbus will never forget.

"To make a play like that in that moment. You wanna leave a legacy behind? You become a legend. He just became a legend at Ohio State," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said.

Just two weeks ago, Sawyer heard his name called in the NFL Draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him with the No. 123 overall pick.

During an appearance on Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger's podcast, Sawyer opened up about his shortcomings against Michigan.

Sawyer was asked if it's OK to lose to Michigan if it means Ohio State wins a national championship. His response was telling.

"Winning a national championship," Sawyer replied. "That takes no emphasis off how important The Game is. If anyone tells you they'd rather go 1-12 and just beat The Team Up North, you're crazy. You're playing this game to win championships. And make no mistake about it, no one wants to beat those guys more than we do. But at the end of the day, there's nothing we could have done after that. We have our shot to go chase the ultimate goal, which is to win a national championship."

Former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, who was also drafted by the Steelers this year, was on Roethlisberger's podcast as well. He offered his thoughts on that question.

"I think that the rational Buckeye fan would say, ‘Give me the championship every day of the week.’ I would hope so," Howard said.

Obviously, Ohio State fans don't want to lose to Michigan. But you don't pass up a national title just because of a rivalry.

Clearly, Howard and Sawyer understand that trophies matter far more in a college football landscape that features a 12-team playoff.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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