In the world of college football, certain plays live far beyond the final whistle. They become etched into the collective memory of fans, retold for generations, and even serve as cultural markers for the program itself. Jack Sawyer’s unforgettable 83-yard fumble return touchdown in the 2025 Cotton Bowl against the Texas Longhorns is one of those moments. It was a play that not only swung the game in favor of the Buckeyes but also captured the spirit of grit, determination, and opportunism that defines Ohio State football. Months after that thrilling night in Arlington, the ripple effects of that play continue to show themselves, and in one of the most creative twists, Ohio Stadium has found a way to celebrate the memory in a fashion that fans can taste. In a bold and delicious move, the program has unveiled a new concession stand menu item called “Scoop N Score Nachos,” a nod to Sawyer’s lightning-fast instincts, athleticism, and the crowd-shaking play that became one of the highlights of the college football season.
For fans who remember the Cotton Bowl vividly, the moment Sawyer scooped up that loose ball and began his sprint down the field felt like time had slowed. Ohio State and Texas were locked in a tense battle, and the Longhorns appeared to be building momentum. A mistimed exchange turned into a live ball on the turf, and in an instant, Sawyer was there, eyes locked, hands steady, pulling it up with the kind of focus usually reserved for offensive playmakers. The sight of a defensive lineman rumbling downfield with the speed and grace that belied his size was enough to send the Ohio State faithful into a frenzy. By the time he crossed into the end zone 83 yards later, the Buckeyes sideline had emptied in celebration, the momentum of the game had completely shifted, and Sawyer had ensured that his name would be forever tied to one of the most iconic defensive plays in Ohio State’s postseason history. That return was more than a touchdown; it was the embodiment of turning defense into offense, adversity into opportunity. And now, in a clever twist, it has turned into a plate of nachos that fans can rally behind on Saturdays in Columbus.
The concept of “Scoop N Score Nachos” is a marriage of football culture and stadium tradition, a reminder that food at sporting events is more than just sustenance—it is part of the fan experience. Ohio Stadium, already known for its energetic atmosphere and loyal fans who pack the Horseshoe each fall, has always tried to provide creative concession items that resonate with the Buckeye community. But this particular dish carries a storytelling element that makes it special. Just as Sawyer scooped up the ball and sprinted for glory, fans will now scoop up a loaded chip piled high with flavors, turning every bite into its own mini victory. The nachos are more than just food; they are a way for fans to relive one of the greatest Cotton Bowl plays every time they head to the concession stand.
The design of the nachos themselves is as deliberate as a well-drawn-up playbook. Stadium officials and food vendors collaborated to make sure the dish represented the flair of the moment and the character of Ohio State football. Piled on a base of crisp tortilla chips are layers of melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, jalapeños, pico de gallo, sour cream, and a signature smoky barbecue drizzle, giving it a bold Midwestern twist. Some versions even feature scarlet and gray tortilla chips to reflect the team colors, ensuring that the dish feels tied directly to the Buckeye identity. The “scoop” part of the nachos represents not only the act of dipping into the loaded pile but also Sawyer’s scoop of the football, while the “score” is symbolized by the hearty, game-winning flavor that fans will associate with victory. Each order even comes served in special commemorative packaging featuring an illustration of Sawyer’s fumble return, further embedding the nachos into Buckeye lore.
For Ohio State fans, these kinds of traditions matter. College football culture is deeply rooted not only in what happens on the field but also in the shared rituals that surround game day. From tailgating outside the Horseshoe to singing “Carmen Ohio” after every game, traditions bind the community together. Adding food into that mix is a natural extension of that culture. For decades, concession items like hot dogs, popcorn, and nachos have been staples of stadium dining, but the introduction of thematically inspired dishes—ones that honor specific players and moments—turns game-day meals into symbolic experiences. With the “Scoop N Score Nachos,” fans aren’t just eating; they’re remembering a time when a defensive lineman became the unlikely hero, when the Cotton Bowl turned in Ohio State’s favor, and when one play managed to unite Buckeye Nation in celebration.
The timing of the new menu item’s release is also strategic. With Ohio State preparing for another exciting season, anticipation is at a fever pitch. Fans have been buzzing about the roster, new recruits, and upcoming matchups, and Sawyer’s Cotton Bowl play continues to be discussed in highlight reels and preseason coverage. By introducing the nachos now, Ohio Stadium capitalizes on the nostalgia and excitement surrounding the moment, ensuring that fans carry that emotional connection into the new season. It’s a clever way of keeping the memory alive while also boosting fan engagement. For younger fans, it becomes a chance to taste and learn about the moment even if they weren’t watching the Cotton Bowl live. For older fans, it’s a chance to relive it every Saturday in a new, flavorful form.
Of course, the players themselves have weighed in on the nachos, and Sawyer has become somewhat of a legend because of it. In interviews, he has joked about never imagining that a defensive play could inspire a stadium snack, let alone something as fun and fan-friendly as nachos. Teammates have teased him about being the “nacho king,” while fans on social media have embraced the idea wholeheartedly, sharing images of themselves enjoying the new concession item while tagging Sawyer in appreciation. This kind of crossover between on-field heroics and off-field culture is rare, but when it happens, it elevates the status of the player and the program alike. Sawyer’s scoop and score wasn’t just a personal triumph—it became a symbol of Ohio State’s resilience, and now, with “Scoop N Score Nachos,” it’s part of the fan experience in a way no one could have predicted.
The move also reflects a broader trend across sports stadiums, where concession stands are increasingly seen as a place to showcase creativity and local flair. Fans no longer expect only the basics; they crave signature dishes that represent the identity of the team and city. Whether it’s unique hot dog variations, gourmet burgers, or culturally inspired fusion items, stadium food has become an extension of the fan experience. Ohio Stadium’s decision to tie food directly to a memorable play shows how sports organizations are tapping into storytelling through dining. In doing so, they enhance not just the game-day atmosphere but also the sense of community. Eating “Scoop N Score Nachos” becomes a communal act, one where tens of thousands of fans share not just in the flavor but in the memory of a singular football moment.
The Cotton Bowl itself deserves recognition as the stage where this story was written. Played in front of a national audience, the game was filled with pressure and intensity. Texas, coming off a strong season, had ambitions of toppling Ohio State, while the Buckeyes sought to assert their dominance on the national stage once again. In that kind of environment, big plays are remembered forever, and Sawyer’s 83-yard runback was one of those defining moments that separated the two sides. Without that touchdown, the game might have unfolded differently. But with it, Ohio State not only seized control but also added another unforgettable chapter to its storied history. In honoring that play through nachos, Ohio Stadium acknowledges the Cotton Bowl’s significance while also celebrating what makes college football so beloved: its unpredictability, its drama, and its ability to create heroes in unexpected moments.
For generations of Buckeye fans, these moments stack up like layers of history, each new play adding flavor to the legacy of the program. From Archie Griffin’s Heisman runs to Ezekiel Elliott’s Sugar Bowl sprint against Alabama, and now to Jack Sawyer’s Cotton Bowl scoop and score, Ohio State thrives on plays that transcend the box score. They become symbols, stories, and now, snacks. It’s not often that a football play makes the leap from the gridiron to the concession stand, but when it does, it speaks to the cultural power of the sport in communities like Columbus. It reinforces the idea that football is not just a game—it is a shared identity, one that finds expression in chants, clothing, rituals, and even nachos.
As the season approaches and the Horseshoe fills once again with scarlet and gray, “Scoop N Score Nachos” are set to become a staple of the fan experience. Just as Sawyer’s 83-yard dash energized the Cotton Bowl crowd, these nachos are poised to energize game-day appetites, becoming a must-try item for fans of all ages. Whether fans are celebrating a Buckeye touchdown, nervously watching a defensive stand, or reminiscing about Cotton Bowl glory, they will have a plate of nachos in hand that connects them directly to one of the great stories of Ohio State football. Sawyer’s play may have been about speed, instinct, and heart, but the nachos it inspired are about unity, flavor, and celebration. Together, they tell a story that will be remembered for years to come.
