In a storybook twist that merges legacy, camaraderie, and the enduring bond forged in Columbus, former Ohio State Buckeyes stars Will Howard and Jack Sawyer have reunited — this time as members of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The duo, who captured the hearts of Buckeye Nation with their relentless leadership and ironclad commitment to excellence, are now poised to carry that same energy into the NFL. In doing so, Howard and Sawyer become the first Ohio State quarterback-defensive end combo to be drafted by the Steelers since the early 2000s, symbolizing a new era of Scarlet and Gray influence in the Steel City.
This historic moment not only represents a full-circle reunion of two of Ohio State’s most respected modern leaders but also rekindles a rich pipeline between one of college football’s most storied programs and one of the NFL’s most tradition-laden franchises.
Chapter One: Brotherhood Forged in Columbus
Although their journeys to Ohio State took different paths, Will Howard and Jack Sawyer were destined to be teammates — and eventually, brothers-in-arms.
Jack Sawyer, a five-star defensive end out of Pickerington North High School in Ohio, was once dubbed the “next Bosa” and entered OSU with expectations befitting a generational talent. His early years in Columbus were marked by flashes of brilliance, but it was his junior and senior seasons that defined his legacy. With his hand in the dirt or rushing from the edge, Sawyer became the motor of the Buckeye defense. His leadership, tenacity, and clutch performances — especially against rival Michigan and in College Football Playoff appearances — earned him captain honors and All-Big Ten recognition.
Will Howard, meanwhile, took a more circuitous route to stardom in Columbus. Originally a Kansas State Wildcat, Howard transferred to Ohio State after the 2023 season, bringing with him invaluable Big 12 experience and a veteran presence. Despite intense scrutiny and a heated quarterback battle upon his arrival, Howard emerged as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback for the 2024 season. His poise, deep-ball accuracy, and dual-threat capability helped reenergize Ryan Day’s offense. More importantly, Howard embraced the Buckeye culture with humility, earning the trust of teammates and fans alike.
Their bond solidified during that 2024 season. While one commanded the offense and the other terrorized opposing quarterbacks, Howard and Sawyer became vocal leaders and emotional pillars of the team. Whether it was lifting weights in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, breaking down film, or speaking to the media after hard-fought games, their mutual respect became evident — a quarterback and a defensive end united by grit, loyalty, and an unshakable belief in each other.
Draft Day Dreams Become Reality
In April 2025, the NFL Draft unfolded with plenty of anticipation for Ohio State’s top prospects. Jack Sawyer, widely regarded as a first-round talent, was projected to go in the mid-to-late first round. Will Howard, considered one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects due to his size (6’5”, 240 pounds), athleticism, and football IQ, drew comparisons to Josh Allen and Dak Prescott and was expected to be a Day 2 selection.
What shocked many, however, was Pittsburgh’s calculated and emotional investment in both players. The Steelers used the 20th overall pick to grab Jack Sawyer, who they viewed as the perfect complement to T.J. Watt on the edge. Just over a round later, they stunned many by selecting Will Howard in the third round (75th overall), signaling that he was their quarterback of the future, or at the very least, a vital piece of their evolving offense.
For Pittsburgh — a franchise rooted in physical football and relentless defense — the addition of Sawyer aligned perfectly with their historical identity. For Howard, his arrival marked the beginning of a potential transition phase as the Steelers evaluate their long-term answer at quarterback.
The move was hailed not only as savvy but symbolic — a nod to Ohio State’s winning DNA and the leadership traits Howard and Sawyer brought to the table.
Steelers History with Buckeyes: A Rarity Reborn
It’s been nearly two decades since the Pittsburgh Steelers have featured a meaningful duo of former Buckeyes on their roster. While Ohio State has sent dozens of players to the NFL — many to Pro Bowls and Hall of Fame enshrinements — the pairing of a Buckeye quarterback and edge rusher in the black and gold is a rarity.
Pittsburgh has historically leaned on programs like Michigan, Georgia, and USC for talent, making this reunion a significant departure from the norm. The last notable Ohio State player to make waves with the Steelers was Santonio Holmes, whose toe-tapping Super Bowl catch in 2009 remains one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. Prior to that, players like Mike Vrabel and Joey Galloway had brief stints in Pittsburgh, but never simultaneously or with the narrative weight that Howard and Sawyer now bring.
Their arrival comes at a time when the Steelers are seeking to recapture past glory while navigating a competitive AFC North landscape that includes quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson. Pittsburgh’s response? Invest in Buckeyes — proven winners who know how to lead.
Reuniting Off the Field: Brotherhood Beyond the Helmet
Upon arriving in Pittsburgh, Howard and Sawyer embraced their reunion like long-lost brothers. Social media captured a heartwarming moment at the Steelers’ rookie minicamp when the two greeted each other with a bear hug, followed by a flurry of Buckeye alumni chiming in to celebrate the pairing. C.J. Stroud, J.T. Tuimoloau, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Ryan Day were among those who publicly praised the Steelers’ draft selections.
In interviews, both men credited their Ohio State experience for shaping them into the competitors they are today.
“We pushed each other every day,” Howard said. “Jack is the kind of guy who never takes a rep off, and that energy was contagious. To be reunited here in Pittsburgh — man, it just feels right.”
“Will’s one of the most mentally tough quarterbacks I’ve ever been around,” Sawyer added. “He doesn’t flinch. You want to go to war with guys like that. Now we get to build something together again — just in different jerseys.”
The Road Ahead: A New Chapter in the Steel City
For Will Howard, the next few months will be pivotal. The Steelers already have veteran quarterbacks on the roster, including Kenny Pickett and potentially a bridge backup like Mitch Trubisky. Howard is expected to start as QB3 or QB2, but the organization has made it clear: he will be developed, not stashed. Pittsburgh’s front office has emphasized Howard’s mobility, red-zone production, and leadership intangibles as traits they hope to harness under new offensive coordinator Brian Johnson.
Meanwhile, Jack Sawyer is expected to compete for significant snaps immediately. With teams double-teaming T.J. Watt, Sawyer could find early opportunities as a situational pass rusher. If he delivers, he could form one of the league’s most feared edge tandems within a year.
Both players bring not only skill but a championship mindset. That mentality — “fight to the whistle, represent the brotherhood” — defined their Ohio State tenure and now defines the culture the Steelers are trying to cultivate.
Fan Reaction and the Buckeye Nation Surge
In Columbus and Pittsburgh, the reaction to the Buckeye duo’s reunion has been electric. Steelers fans have already begun flooding training camp ticket requests, and merchandise featuring custom “Sawyer 33” and “Howard 18” jerseys are popping up both in black and gold and scarlet and gray.
Buckeye fans, long loyal and fiercely proud of their alumni, have now added Pittsburgh to their list of must-watch NFL teams. Some are calling it the birth of a “Steel Buckeye” movement — a hybrid fan base united by tradition, toughness, and loyalty.
The city of Pittsburgh, too, seems to understand the magnitude of the moment. Local businesses have started advertising OSU-themed specials, and Heinz Field (now Acrisure Stadium) is expected to be buzzing with Ohio transplants this fall.