Jack Sawyer of Ohio State Writes a Heartfelt Letter to Fans, Making Brutally Honest Admissions About the Michigan Game
As one of the most talented defensive players to come out of Ohio State in recent years, Jack Sawyer has been a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ defense. His combination of size, speed, and skill has earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike. Sawyer’s journey at Ohio State has been filled with high expectations, intense competition, and personal growth, but one game stands above all others for every Ohio State player: the Michigan game. The annual rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the most intense and storied in all of college football. Every year, both teams enter the game with a fierce determination to claim victory, and for the players on both sides, it represents more than just another game—it’s a battle for pride, legacy, and, often, a shot at the national championship.
For Jack Sawyer, like many of his teammates, the Michigan game has been a defining moment of his college career. In his letter to fans, Sawyer takes a brutally honest approach, offering a raw and reflective perspective on what it means to be a part of this legendary rivalry, especially after an extremely difficult loss to Michigan in the most recent installment of “The Game.”
The letter reveals not only his personal feelings about the loss but also his commitment to the program, his teammates, and the loyal Ohio State fanbase. As a leader on the defensive side of the ball, Sawyer’s vulnerability in addressing the tough realities of the Michigan game is both powerful and humbling. He acknowledges the heartache, the disappointment, and the lessons learned from that game. More than that, though, he reflects on what needs to change in order to turn the tide of the rivalry and honor the legacy of Ohio State football.
A Heartfelt Apology to Buckeye Nation
In the opening lines of his letter, Jack Sawyer offers a candid and emotional apology to the Ohio State fanbase. The loss to Michigan was especially painful, given the expectations that surround the rivalry. Ohio State fans live for this game, and Sawyer fully recognizes that a loss to Michigan cuts deep into the fabric of the Buckeyes’ pride. He writes:
“To Buckeye Nation,
I can’t begin to express how deeply sorry I am for how this season ended. The rivalry with Michigan is not just another game—it’s a part of who we are. It’s a game that defines our season, our legacy, and our program. For us to fall short again, in a year where we had so much hope, stings. I know the pain is real for every single Buckeye fan, and it’s not something I take lightly. We let you down, and I take full responsibility for that. You deserve better.”
Sawyer’s apology is a reflection of the weight that the Michigan game carries for everyone involved with Ohio State football. For players like Sawyer, it’s not just about a loss on the scoreboard—it’s about falling short in the eyes of fans who expect greatness every time the Buckeyes take the field. The annual matchup against Michigan is a battle for bragging rights, pride, and, in many years, a ticket to the College Football Playoff. Failing to secure a victory in this game isn’t just a missed opportunity; it feels like a personal failure.
Reflecting on the Game
Sawyer goes on to discuss the specifics of the game, taking a brutally honest look at what went wrong for Ohio State. The Buckeyes entered the contest with high hopes, boasting one of the best teams in the country and a defense that was among the most feared in college football. But as the game unfolded, Ohio State’s defense struggled to stop Michigan’s offense, and the Buckeyes’ offense had difficulty finding rhythm against the Wolverines’ defense.
In his letter, Sawyer admits that the team fell short of expectations and that Michigan’s performance outmatched Ohio State’s in several key areas:
“We had the game in front of us. We had the talent. We had the coaching. But when the moment arrived, we didn’t execute. Michigan came out and played with a fire and urgency that we simply didn’t match. On the defensive side of the ball, we were out of position at times, and we didn’t make the key stops when we needed to. I’m the leader on defense, and I have to be better. I have to set the tone, and I didn’t do that.”
Sawyer’s honesty about his own performance is particularly poignant. As a leader, he recognizes the responsibility he carries not only to himself but to his teammates and the Ohio State faithful. The pain of the loss is compounded by the awareness that he, as one of the best defensive players on the team, could have done more to stop Michigan’s offensive attack. It’s a rare and refreshing moment of vulnerability, one that shows Sawyer’s maturity and commitment to improvement.
A Personal Look at the Rivalry
For Sawyer, the Michigan game represents much more than a single contest. It’s a symbol of everything that Ohio State football stands for: pride, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. In his letter, he reflects on the significance of the rivalry and the deep sense of pride that comes with wearing the scarlet and gray:
“Growing up, I watched this rivalry with awe. I knew what it meant to be a Buckeye. I knew how much this game mattered, not just to the players, but to every single person who calls themselves a fan of Ohio State. The Michigan game is not just another game—it’s THE game. And to wear that jersey, to represent this university, it’s something that every player cherishes. It’s a responsibility. And that responsibility to you, the fans, and the tradition of this program, is one I take with the utmost seriousness. I failed you this year, and I know that I can be better.”
This section of the letter highlights the deep emotional connection Sawyer has to the rivalry. As a player, it’s not just about the X’s and O’s—it’s about understanding the legacy of the program and the fans who live and breathe Ohio State football. The weight of that responsibility can be overwhelming at times, and Sawyer’s acknowledgment of this speaks to his understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than himself. This game is personal, not only because of the outcome on the field but because of what it represents to everyone involved.
A Call to Action: Moving Forward
Despite the disappointment, Sawyer ends his letter on a note of optimism. He expresses his determination to learn from the loss, improve, and ensure that Ohio State football bounces back stronger in the coming seasons. His focus is not on dwelling in the past, but on looking ahead to the future and doing everything in his power to help the team achieve the ultimate goal: a National Championship.
“This loss hurts, but it’s not the end of our journey. I am committed to this program, and I will be better. We will be better. We will learn from our mistakes, and we will come back next year stronger, faster, and more determined than ever. The rivalry with Michigan will always be the measuring stick for our season. We’ll get back to work, and we’ll make sure that the next time we face them, it’s us who come out on top. I owe that to every single Buckeye who has ever worn the scarlet and gray. I owe that to you, the fans, who have stood by us through thick and thin. This program is too great, and I am too determined to let this defeat define us. We’ll rise from this, and we’ll make sure the next chapter in the rivalry is written in our favor.”
This forward-thinking mindset is the hallmark of a true leader. Sawyer recognizes that the road to redemption is paved with hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. While the loss to Michigan will sting for some time, Sawyer is committed to making sure that this defeat doesn’t define the Ohio State program or its future. It’s a promise not just to the fans, but to himself and his teammates.
Conclusion: A Letter of Hope and Responsibility
Jack Sawyer’s letter to Ohio State fans is an incredibly personal and raw reflection on the heartbreak of the Michigan loss. But it is also a testament to his character and leadership. In admitting his shortcomings and acknowledging the disappointment of the loss, Sawyer shows the maturity and resolve of a player who understands what it means to represent Ohio State football.
As Sawyer and his teammates look ahead to the future, it’s clear that the Michigan game will continue to serve as a reminder of what’s at stake every time they take the field. But it will also serve as motivation—a driving force behind their efforts to rebuild, improve, and ultimately get back to where they know they belong: at the top of college football.
Through this heartfelt letter, Jack Sawyer not only owns the disappointment of this year’s rivalry game but also provides hope and confidence to Ohio State fans that brighter days are ahead. As he continues to grow as a player and leader, it’s clear that he’s determined to make sure that the next chapter in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is written with victory for the Buckeyes.