Jack Sawyer of Ohio State scores defensive touchdown to seal National Championship game spot in Arlington

As confetti fell around him, Jack Sawyer raised his arms, closed his eyes, and took in the moment. Growing up in a suburb of Columbus, playing catch in the backyard with his dad while wearing a scarlet and gray jersey, Sawyer had always dreamed of having a big moment for Ohio State.

On Friday night, that dream came true during the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic against Texas.

With just over two minutes left and Texas needing a touchdown to tie the game, Sawyer made a play that ended the Longhorns’ season and sent the Buckeyes to the National Championship game. On fourth-and-goal, Sawyer broke past Texas’ right tackle and rushed toward quarterback Quinn Ewers, his former roommate at Ohio State.

Sawyer hit Ewers from behind, causing the ball to pop loose. Sawyer scooped up the fumble and ran 83 yards for a touchdown, sealing the Buckeyes’ 28-14 victory.

“I almost blacked out when I saw nothing but green grass ahead of me,” Sawyer said.

That play secured Ohio State’s spot in the National Championship game against Notre Dame. It also solidified Sawyer’s place in Ohio State history.

“To make a play like that in that moment… You want to leave a legacy behind? You become a legend. He just became a legend at Ohio State,” coach Ryan Day said after the game.

Sawyer’s journey to this moment was driven by a deep desire to make an impact at Ohio State. After three losses to Michigan and without a Big Ten championship or national title, Sawyer, along with other seniors, chose to return for his senior season instead of entering the NFL Draft.

“I wanted to go to the NFL and chase my dream more than the next guy,” Sawyer said. “But I haven’t won a championship. And you walk around the Woody [Hayes Athletic Center] and all you see is championships and championship posters and banners. Having not helped our team win any of those, it’s something that wears on me and it’s something that motivates me every day.”

Sawyer had a chance for a big moment earlier in the season but faced a tough setback. In a game against Michigan, Sawyer intercepted a pass at the goal line, but Ohio State couldn’t capitalize on the turnover, and Michigan won with a game-winning field goal. Sawyer’s frustration was clear as Michigan’s players planted their flag at midfield, leading to a confrontation.

However, with the expansion of the College Football Playoff, Sawyer and the Ohio State seniors were given one more chance to end their careers on a high note. Sawyer’s fumble recovery for a touchdown put Ohio State one win away from their first national title since 2014.

“The resiliency of this team from a month ago has been incredible,” said Sawyer, who became the first FBS player in a decade to record multiple pass breakups and a sack in three consecutive games during Ohio State’s playoff run. “We sat up here last year with a sore taste in our mouth and heard a lot of things. We come back and heard the same things a month ago. But we kept swinging.”

Texas kept fighting back. After Ohio State took a 21-14 lead, Ewers drove Texas down to the Ohio State 1-yard line. But safety Lathan Ransom stopped Texas’ running back on a risky play, forcing a 7-yard loss.

“We had a plan to try to get the ball on the edge,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “It’s one of those plays, if you block it all right, you get in the end zone — and we didn’t.”

With time running out, Texas faced a crucial fourth-and-goal. Ewers thought he had enough time to pass but was sacked by Sawyer, who forced the fumble. Ewers spoke highly of Sawyer after the game, saying, “Obviously, it’s not like I tried to give him the game. He is a great player, great individual, great person. … It sucks, but Jack’s a good player and he made a great play.”

Sawyer’s fumble recovery became the longest in both CFP and Cotton Bowl history. As Ohio State quarterback Will Howard took a knee to run out the clock, coach Day jumped into Sawyer’s arms.

“I don’t know if there’s a guy … who loves being a Buckeye more,” Day said. “This is somebody … who has always wanted to be a Buckeye, who has always wanted for a moment like this. So to see him get the moment that he had today — I mean, he’s become like family to me.”

Both Day and Sawyer made it clear that their journey isn’t over. With a national title still up for grabs, Sawyer is focused on finishing his Ohio State career in the best possible way.

“I love Columbus, I love the state of Ohio, I love Ohio State football,” Sawyer said. “And I’m so fortunate to be playing in the national championship my last year here.”