This Ohio State Football Player is a Breakout Candidate on Defense
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on Ohio State’s defensive talent, with several players poised to make a significant impact at the next level. Among those drawing attention is defensive lineman Jack Sawyer, who is widely regarded as a breakout candidate for both his collegiate season and future professional career.
The Emergence of Jack Sawyer
Jack Sawyer’s time at Ohio State has been marked by significant growth, and his 2024 season could be the moment when he takes the next step in his development as a dominant defensive player. A former five-star recruit, Sawyer has been a highly anticipated talent since arriving on campus, but the 2024 season saw him truly begin to tap into his potential.
While Sawyer showed flashes of brilliance earlier in his career, including some critical plays in his freshman and sophomore years, 2024 was the year he became an integral part of Ohio State’s defense. A standout on the defensive line, Sawyer was tasked with key responsibilities, including rushing the quarterback, stopping the run, and playing with versatility in Jim Knowles’ defensive scheme.
Sawyer has been a fixture on Ohio State’s defense since he first stepped on campus, but it is his growth and leadership in the 2024 season that set him apart as a potential breakout candidate. Under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who implemented a more aggressive, versatile defense, Sawyer’s skillset truly began to shine.
Why Sawyer is a Breakout Candidate
There are several key factors that make Jack Sawyer an exciting breakout candidate for both the remainder of his college career and his future in the NFL. These factors combine his physical traits, the defensive system in which he plays, and his ability to elevate his game.
1. Versatility and Skill Set
One of the main reasons Jack Sawyer is seen as a breakout candidate is his versatility. Sawyer has proven himself capable of thriving in various roles within Ohio State’s defense. As a defensive lineman, Sawyer has the ability to line up as a traditional defensive end, but he can also shift inside to create mismatches against interior offensive linemen. This flexibility allows him to be used in multiple fronts, whether it’s rushing from the edge or creating pressure from the interior.
In Jim Knowles’ defensive scheme, which emphasizes attacking and creative looks, Sawyer has been able to show his well-rounded skill set. The defensive coordinator’s emphasis on adaptability has allowed Sawyer to grow into a player who can read offenses, switch roles on the fly, and stay unpredictable—critical components for success at the next level. His versatility is a key reason why scouts have him high on their lists for potential breakout players.
2. Improved Technique and Football IQ
While Sawyer’s raw athleticism has never been in question, what sets him apart as a breakout candidate is his improvement in technical areas of the game. Over the course of his college career, Sawyer has significantly improved his pass-rushing technique, his ability to disengage from blockers, and his overall approach to the game.
His football IQ has risen exponentially, and it shows in his ability to read offensive linemen, anticipate plays, and adjust in real time. As a defensive end, these abilities are crucial for making an impact in the backfield. Sawyer has been a key factor in Ohio State’s success at limiting the opponent’s yardage, and much of that success is due to his ability to understand opposing offenses and execute the defensive game plan.
With continued development in his technique and understanding of the game, Sawyer has all the tools necessary to become one of the top defensive players in college football and a potential star in the NFL.
3. Leadership and Maturity
While his on-field performance has been exceptional, Sawyer’s leadership and maturity have also set him apart. As one of the leaders on Ohio State’s defense in 2024, Sawyer took on a vocal role, helping to guide the younger players and ensuring the defensive unit stayed focused on their goals. His ability to take ownership of his role and help elevate the play of those around him speaks to his leadership qualities.
Sawyer has earned the respect of his teammates for his work ethic and commitment to the team’s success. His presence on the field and in the locker room has been invaluable to Ohio State’s defense. As he prepares for his next challenge in the NFL, Sawyer’s leadership and maturity will undoubtedly be assets that translate well to the professional level.
4. Physical Tools
Physically, Jack Sawyer possesses the ideal combination of size, speed, and strength that makes him an intriguing prospect. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 260 pounds, Sawyer has the frame to match up against both offensive tackles and tight ends. He has the agility to get around blockers with speed, but also the power to bull rush when necessary.
Sawyer’s explosiveness off the line of scrimmage is a key asset in his game. His ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks is one of the hallmarks of his play. As he continues to fine-tune his pass-rushing moves and develop more speed and strength, Sawyer is expected to become a more dynamic force on the defensive line.
5. Ohio State’s Defensive Growth in 2024
The 2024 Ohio State defense was one of the most improved units in the nation, and Jack Sawyer’s development was a key factor in that success. Under Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes’ defense became one of the most feared in college football. Sawyer played a key role in this, both as an individual contributor and as part of the team’s defensive schemes.
The 2024 defense improved its pass rush, a facet of the game where Ohio State had previously been inconsistent. Sawyer’s ability to disrupt the pocket and create chaos for opposing quarterbacks was a major reason why the defense became more effective. The success of the unit as a whole only serves to increase Sawyer’s visibility as a potential breakout star, as he was a key figure in the defense’s resurgence.
Sawyer’s ability to perform well in big games also caught the attention of NFL scouts. Whether it was against top-tier opponents in the Big Ten or during high-stakes matchups like the Rose Bowl, Sawyer showed he could rise to the occasion and make an impact when it mattered most.
The NFL Draft Outlook
As Jack Sawyer heads into the 2025 NFL Draft, his breakout potential is clear. NFL scouts have taken notice of his rapid growth, versatility, and leadership qualities. His physical tools, combined with his improved technique and football IQ, make him an attractive prospect for any team looking to bolster their defensive line.
Sawyer’s breakout potential is even more evident when considering the current landscape of NFL defenses. Teams are looking for versatile, athletic defensive linemen who can rush the passer and set the edge against the run. Sawyer’s ability to do both at a high level, while also having the flexibility to move around the defensive front, makes him an ideal fit for several NFL systems. His mix of size, speed, and football intelligence has made him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the 2025 draft class.
It is not just his physical attributes that have scouts excited, though. Sawyer’s leadership and work ethic are qualities that will serve him well as he makes the transition to the NFL. The ability to adjust to the next level is essential, and Sawyer has shown throughout his career at Ohio State that he can thrive in various roles and adapt to different schemes.