There’s a new force coming off the edge in Pittsburgh — and he wears his swagger like the steel on the city’s bridges. Jack Sawyer, the former Ohio State defensive end and five-star standout from Pickerington, Ohio, is officially a Pittsburgh Steeler. With his hand in the dirt and eyes locked on quarterbacks, Sawyer brings more than just skill to the Steel City — he brings a championship mindset forged in the crucible of Big Ten warfare and a relentless motor that mirrors the city’s blue-collar roots.
Drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sawyer has already made it clear: he’s not here to ride shotgun. He’s here to drive the defense. A ferocious edge presence who posted 11.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in his final season with the Buckeyes, Sawyer was a foundational piece in Ohio State’s pursuit of a national title. Now, he’s looking to replicate that impact in Pittsburgh, where expectations are as high as the towering skyline and legacy looms large with every snap.
“This city is built on grit, toughness, and winning — and that’s exactly how I play football,” Sawyer said at his introductory press conference, sporting a black-and-gold blazer that sent Steelers Nation into a frenzy on social media. “I grew up watching legends here. To have the chance to add to that legacy? It means everything.”
Sawyer’s arrival couldn’t be more timely. The Steelers, who have long leaned on a fearsome front seven to anchor their defense, are looking to inject fresh blood and youthful intensity into a pass rush that has relied heavily on veteran T.J. Watt. Teaming up with Watt and fellow disruptor Alex Highsmith, Sawyer gives Pittsburgh a dangerous trio of edge defenders capable of creating chaos on every down.
But what sets Sawyer apart isn’t just the stats or the tape — it’s the mentality. At Ohio State, he was often described by teammates and coaches as “obsessed” with winning and “maniacal” in preparation. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day once said, “If there’s a guy who lives and breathes football more than Jack Sawyer, I haven’t met him yet. He’s the type of guy who sets the tone for everyone else — and keeps it there.”
It’s that championship DNA — developed in Columbus and now transplanted into the heart of Pennsylvania — that has the Steelers coaching staff buzzing. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin praised Sawyer’s versatility, saying, “He can rush the passer, stop the run, and even drop into coverage if needed. He’s got the football IQ and motor to do it all. We’re going to unleash him.”
Sawyer’s transition to the NFL hasn’t just been about scheme fit and physical readiness. It’s also been about culture. Pittsburgh, often viewed as a football city trapped in a time capsule of toughness, is exactly the kind of environment where Sawyer thrives. Whether it’s his willingness to embrace the physical grind of practice or his obsession with watching film late into the night, his ethos mirrors the Steelers’ storied tradition.
And he’s embracing the city just as much as it’s embracing him.
“I’ve already toured the Strip District, hit up Primanti Bros., and I’m learning what it means to bleed black and gold,” Sawyer joked. “But seriously, this place feels like home already. The fans, the history, the expectations — it’s all fuel for me.”
While some rookies ease into their NFL roles, Sawyer appears dead set on kicking the door down from Day 1. The Steelers have historically trusted rookies to make an immediate impact when they show they’re ready — and Sawyer’s spring workouts have turned heads. Reports from minicamp suggest he’s already taken first-team reps and matched up well against veteran offensive linemen. Teammates have noted his maturity and attention to detail, calling him “a pro’s pro” despite being just months removed from college.
Of course, success in Pittsburgh isn’t measured by stats alone — it’s measured in rings. The franchise’s six Super Bowl trophies are on display every day in the team facility, a not-so-subtle reminder of the standard. For Sawyer, that’s the exact kind of challenge he welcomes.
“I’m not here to be good. I’m here to be great,” he said. “I want to win championships. I want to be the guy they talk about when they mention Steelers legends. That’s not pressure to me — that’s opportunity.”
With the AFC North shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in football, the Steelers need every ounce of talent and drive they can get. Facing off against quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson twice a year means pressure is never in short supply. But Sawyer’s been preparing for moments like this since high school, when he was tabbed as the next big thing coming out of Ohio. Now, with Pittsburgh fans watching and legends like James Harrison and Joey Porter casting long shadows, it’s time for Sawyer to write his own chapter.
For Steelers fans, the excitement around Sawyer is more than hype — it’s hope. Hope that the defense returns to its fearsome identity. Hope that another young cornerstone has arrived. And hope that the newest member of the black-and-gold brotherhood carries with him the steel-hearted swagger that defines this city.
Jack Sawyer has traded in the scarlet and gray for black and gold. But the fire that drives him — that relentless pursuit of greatness — burns hotter than ever. And in a city that’s built on hard work, loyalty, and a never-back-down spirit, he’s exactly the kind of player Pittsburgh was made for.
Welcome to the Steel City, Jack. The quarterback hunt begins now.