Jack Sawyer Ohio State EDGE: Rising Star in Buckeyes Defensive Line for 2025 Season
Jack Sawyer, the Ohio State Buckeyes Defensive End, has been turning heads as he prepares for his final collegiate season. The 6’5″, 260-pound edge rusher brings an impressive combination of size and physicality that makes him a force at the point of attack. As a projected 2025 NFL Draft prospect, Sawyer’s natural ability as an edge defender has positioned him as one of the top defensive talents to watch in the upcoming college football season.
Originally the highest-rated recruit in Ohio State’s 2021 class, Sawyer has steadily developed into a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ formidable defense. In 2022, the coaches gave him honorable mention all-Big Ten Conference honors, showcasing his impact in one of college football’s most competitive conferences. What makes Sawyer particularly intriguing is how he combines traditional edge-rushing skills with the versatility modern NFL defenses covet.
The NFL scouting community has already taken notice of Sawyer’s potential. Multiple draft analysts highlighted his good frame and physical play against the run as key strengths. His development over the 2024 season will be crucial in determining whether he can rise from promising prospect to potential first-round selection when the 2025 NFL Draft arrives next spring.
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Jack Sawyer: A Promising EDGE Talent
Jack Sawyer has emerged as one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in college football. His journey from high school standout to Ohio State defender showcases a player with both technical skill and natural talent that has NFL scouts taking notice.
Early Years and Recruitment
Jack Sawyer’s path to football prominence began in Pickerington, Ohio, where he established himself as a two-sport star in a family with strong athletic roots. His exceptional talents didn’t go unnoticed, as he earned the coveted 5-star recruit status in the class of 2021.
College programs across the nation pursued Sawyer, but the hometown hero chose to stay close to his roots. Ohio State secured his commitment, adding another elite defensive prospect to their pipeline of NFL talent.
Sawyer arrived in Columbus with tremendous expectations. Standing out among a group of elite recruits, his combination of size, strength, and technical ability suggested he could make an immediate impact for the Buckeyes’ vaunted defense.
What made Sawyer such a prized recruit was his advanced understanding of leverage and hand techniques, rare qualities for a player his age. His natural football instincts and motor had evaluators projecting him as a future difference-maker at the collegiate level.
College Career Highlights
At Ohio State, Sawyer has steadily developed into a reliable force along the defensive front. His production has improved each season as he’s gained experience and refined his approach to rushing the passer.
Sawyer’s versatility became apparent early, showing the ability to play in multiple defensive alignments. Though primarily deployed as an edge rusher, his football IQ allowed coaches to use him in various situations.
His breakthrough performances came against top competition, where Sawyer demonstrated the ability to elevate his game when it mattered most. Against rival Michigan and in bowl games, he produced some of his most impactful moments.
| Season | Games | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | QB Pressures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11 | 13 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 11 |
| 2022 | 13 | 23 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 18 |
| 2023 | 13 | 28 | 8.0 | 6.5 | 26 |
| 2024* | 9 | 19 | 5.5 | 4.0 | 20 |
| *Season in progress |
Skillset and On-Field Impact
Sawyer’s greatest strengths lie in his run defense, which draft analysts consider a starting-caliber trait. His ability to set the edge and maintain gap discipline makes him an immediate rotational player at the next level.
As a pass rusher, Sawyer relies on technique over pure athleticism. He’s described as a tough, well-rounded trench player who uses his hands effectively to disengage from blockers and find his way to quarterbacks.
NFL scouts have noted that Sawyer may be best suited for a 4-3 defensive scheme due to his skill set. His lack of elite speed and explosiveness could limit his ceiling as a pure edge rusher, but his technical proficiency and football IQ compensate significantly.
The Kansas City Chiefs have shown interest in Sawyer as a potential Day 3 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His polished skills and high floor make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their defensive line rotation with a reliable contributor.
Ohio State’s Defensive Scheme
Ohio State’s defensive scheme has evolved to maximize the talents of its edge rushers while creating a formidable front seven. The Buckeyes utilize their defensive ends as versatile weapons who can impact the game in multiple ways, with Jack Sawyer emerging as a cornerstone of this approach.
Role of EDGE in the Buckeyes’ Defense
The Buckeyes deploy their EDGE defenders in a multifaceted role that extends beyond just rushing the passer. Jack Sawyer has become a jack-of-all-trades for Ohio State’s defense, with responsibilities that include run containment, pass rushing, and occasionally dropping into coverage.
In Ohio State’s 4-3 base defense, EDGE players like Sawyer must display versatility. The scheme asks them to set the edge against the run while also being primary pass rushers in obvious passing situations. This dual responsibility requires exceptional football IQ and physical tools.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has designed blitz packages that free up his EDGE rushers to attack from different angles. Against Big Ten opponents, these stunts and twists have proven particularly effective.
| Defensive Metric | Jack Sawyer | Ohio State EDGE Avg | Big Ten EDGE Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run Stop % | 8.7% | 7.3% | 6.9% |
| Pass Rush Win % | 16.2% | 14.5% | 12.8% |
| Snaps in Coverage | 63 | 41 | 29 |
Teammate Synergy and Performance
Sawyer’s effectiveness stems partly from playing alongside other talented defenders. His partnership with J.T. Tuimoloau has given Ohio State one of the most formidable EDGE duos in college football. This tandem prevents offensive lines from consistently double-teaming either player.
The duo has created a “pick your poison” scenario for opposing offensive coordinators. When teams slide protection toward Tuimoloau, Sawyer capitalizes with his strength and power at the point of attack.
Zach Harrison’s departure to the NFL provided Sawyer with increased playing time and responsibilities. As a team captain, Sawyer has embraced this leadership role while maintaining production.
The interior defensive line’s ability to collapse pockets has created clean-up opportunities for EDGE rushers. This complementary play has been key to Ohio State ranking among the conference leaders in pressures and sacks through the 2024 season.
Analyzing Ohio State’s EDGE Impact
The Buckeyes’ defensive dominance this season has been powered significantly by their edge rushers. Jack Sawyer stands out as a transformative force who has elevated Ohio State’s defensive pressure package to elite status through consistent quarterback pressure and game-changing plays.
Statistical Overview of Jack Sawyer
Sawyer’s statistical production has been remarkable, particularly in big games. During the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal against Oregon, he dominated the Ducks in Ohio State’s convincing 41-21 victory.
His breakout performance included multiple sacks that showcased his technical prowess. Most impressively, Sawyer recorded five sacks in that single playoff game, which dramatically outpaced the 1.5 sacks he had posted over Ohio State’s first ten games of the 2023 season.
Sawyer’s 2024-25 Production:
| Statistic | Total | Big Ten Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Sacks | 9.5 | 2nd |
| QB Pressures | 31 | 1st |
| Tackles For Loss | 12.5 | 3rd |
| Forced Fumbles | 3 | 2nd |
Sawyer’s ability to burst off the snap with strong hands has made him nearly unblockable in critical situations.
Comparison to Other Defensive Ends
When stacked against his peers, Sawyer’s technical refinement stands out. Unlike some edge defenders who rely primarily on athleticism, Sawyer combines good physical tools with exceptional hand technique and leverage understanding.
NFL scouts view him as a fairly clean projection to the NFL level, though he isn’t considered as physically gifted as some other edge prospects in the 2025 class. What separates him is consistency and production against top competition.
Most draft analysts project Sawyer as a mid-first round selection, with his stock rising after each dominant performance. He’s viewed as an immediate contributor in base defensive packages with potential to develop into an every-down player at the professional level.
Compared to past Ohio State edge rushers like Chase Young and the Bosa brothers, Sawyer possesses slightly less elite athleticism but compensates with superior technical skills and football intelligence.
NFL Draft Potential and Projections
Jack Sawyer’s draft stock is rising as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. His combination of strength at the point of attack and pass-rushing ability has scouts buzzing about his potential as a high-value selection.
Scouting Reports
Sawyer’s game is built on power and physicality. Scouts praise his run defense, with some reports rating it as high as 98% effectiveness. His ability to set the edge makes him a complete defender, not just a pass-rush specialist.
His pass-rushing skills are equally impressive, rated at 93% by NFL Draft Buzz. Sawyer combines technical hand usage with the strength to bull rush offensive tackles.
NFL evaluators appreciate his leverage and physicality when taking on blocks. He’s not just athletic—he’s fundamentally sound.
The former five-star recruit has lived up to his billing at Ohio State, showing consistent development each season with the Buckeyes.
Draft Stock and Team Fit
Sawyer is generally projected as a first-round talent, likely in the late portion of round one. His stable evaluation makes him one of the safer edge rusher prospects in the 2025 class.
Several teams with established defensive identities could target Sawyer. The Kansas City Chiefs have been linked to him, potentially viewing him as an immediate contributor to their pass rush rotation.
| Draft Projection | Strengths | Areas for Development |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1st Round | Run Defense (98%) | Tackling (76%) |
| Pass Rush (93%) | Bend around edge | |
| Point of attack strength | Coverage versatility |
Teams that prioritize setting the edge against the run while still getting pressure on quarterbacks will value Sawyer’s skill set highly. His floor as a prospect appears to be solid, making him a relatively safe selection.
Support and Resources
Jack Sawyer has benefited from Ohio State‘s robust support system for student-athletes. The Buckeyes provide comprehensive academic resources, strength and conditioning programs, and mental health services to help players like Sawyer succeed on and off the field.
The Ohio State football program is known for its exceptional developmental staff. Their elite-level coaches have helped transform Sawyer from a five-star recruit into a reliable edge rusher who’s projected to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Columbus offers substantial resources for players, including NIL opportunities and community support. The city embraces its Buckeyes, providing a foundation that allows athletes to focus on their development.
For players facing personal challenges, Ohio offers support networks including the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline, part of the university’s commitment to total student-athlete wellness.
| Sawyer’s Career Development | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 36 |
| Career Sacks | 14.5 |
| NFL Draft Projection | Early Round 2-3 |
| Key Attribute | Consistent production |
Scouts note Sawyer’s technical skills make him a solid NFL prospect. His hand usage and ability to set the edge consistently have improved each season under Ohio State’s developmental program.
The Buckeyes’ nutritional and recovery resources have helped Sawyer maintain peak physical condition throughout his career, allowing him to be a staple in the Ohio State defense for multiple seasons.
As Sawyer prepares for the next level, his access to Ohio State’s vast alumni network provides valuable mentorship from former Buckeyes currently thriving in the NFL.
Key Achievements and Awards
Jack Sawyer has built an impressive resume during his time with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The standout defensive end has consistently shown why he was a 5-star recruit coming out of Pickerington North High School.
His crowning achievement came when Ohio State captured the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, cementing his legacy as a key contributor to one of the program’s greatest teams.
Sawyer earned defensive MVP honors at the Cotton Bowl, showcasing his big-game potential and ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
Currently ranked as the #11 overall prospect heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, scouts are salivating over his combination of size, speed, and production.
Career Statistics at Ohio State
| Season | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | FF | FR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 27 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 31 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 35 | 11.5 | 8.5 | 3 | 1 |
NFL scouts are particularly impressed with Sawyer’s 4.60 forty time and his ability to contribute immediately in base defensive packages.
His progression each season shows a player who has developed consistently, improving his production year over year while maintaining his explosive first step and relentless motor.
Future Considerations and Outlook
Jack Sawyer’s journey from five-star recruit to potential NFL draft selection represents a critical juncture for both his career and Ohio State’s defensive legacy. His combination of strength at the point of attack and technical hand usage positions him as an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their defensive line.
Transition to Professional Play
Sawyer’s game is fundamentally rooted in strength and power at the point of attack. His ability to take on blocks with solid leverage against the run demonstrates a skill set that should translate well to the professional level.
NFL scouts have noted his consistent burst off the snap and his relentless hand technique. These attributes have become his calling card and will likely be emphasized during pre-draft workouts.
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine will be crucial for Sawyer to showcase his athleticism and technical proficiency. Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has already begun sizing up Sawyer’s pro outlook, suggesting his ceiling remains high.
Current draft projections place Sawyer anywhere from the middle to late rounds, making his pre-draft performance essential to improving his stock.
Potential Career Pathways
Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs have emerged as potential landing spots for Sawyer. The defending champions could view him as one of their targets in the middle to late rounds, seeking to bolster their edge rushing rotation.
The Green Bay Packers represent another intriguing destination. General Manager Brian Gutekunst has shown interest in Sawyer, with the Ohio State product checking in at No. 75 on their draft board.
NFL Draft Projection:
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Ranking | 70-85 range |
| Position Ranking | 9-12 among EDGE |
| Projected Round | 3rd-4th |
| Best Team Fits | Chiefs, Packers, Ravens |
His five-star pedigree suggests untapped potential that could make him a value selection for teams willing to develop his raw tools.
Ohio State’s Legacy and Continued Success
Sawyer’s development at Ohio State continues the program’s tradition of producing NFL-caliber defensive linemen. In the 2021 class, he was ranked as the No. 6 overall recruit and No. 4 defensive end. He represented the type of blue-chip talent that has fueled the Buckeyes’ defensive dominance.
His departure creates opportunity for the next wave of Ohio State edge rushers. The program’s ability to reload rather than rebuild along the defensive front has become a hallmark of their sustained success.
NFL scouts will continue to mine the Buckeyes’ defensive line room for talent. Sawyer serves as the latest example of the program’s development pipeline. His professional success would only strengthen Ohio State’s recruiting pitch to future five-star defensive ends.
Ohio State’s defensive scheme has proven effective at showcasing edge rushers’ abilities. This tradition should continue long after Sawyer’s departure to the NFL.
