Former Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer recently made headlines. On July 28, he alleged that the program’s 2022 loss to Michigan was due to sign stealing. He specifically pointed to a screen pass that he claimed “hadn’t been used before.” While he acknowledged that the Wolverines beat them fairly in 2023 and 2024, Sawyer opined that the Buckeyes dominated the 2022 matchup. Sherrone Moore is now the head coach of the Wolverines.
The 23-year-old’s comments sparked a social media barrage, especially from Michigan fans, who thought Sawyer was being disrespectful, given that Ohio State hasn’t beaten their team in four years. A few fans also found it perplexing for Sawyer to bring back the game since he is no longer in college and is playing in the NFL.
Jack Sawyer on Michigan’s sign stealing vs. Ohio State :
“We left the field, we were like this feels weird…”
via @NotJustFootball pic.twitter.com/hMF7u17VAB
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) July 28, 2025
Fans were quick to call Sawyer out for his comments.
“My least favorite buckeye of all time. No one is softer than Jack,” one said.
“This has to be the weirdest and lamest way to get in good graces with Michigan fans,” another remarked.
“Accept the Ls. You won a championship. Move on,“ another said.
“0-4 Jack Sawyer,” another chimed in.
“Absolutely outplayed,” a fan added bluntly.
“Accept your 0-4 vs Michigan like a man without excuses,” one fan said.
Sawyer’s comments have come in the waiting period for the Michigan sign-stealing scandal. The allegations include Sherrone Moore, who has already been handed a two-game suspension in 2025. Michigan has suspended him for Weeks 3 and 4, which will allow Moore to coach against #25 Oklahoma in a prime time game on Sept. 6. A final ruling from the NCAA is still pending and will determine if Moore will serve the two-game ban.
The Michigan Sign-Stealing Scandal Still Lingers
There is still controversy surrounding the Michigan sign theft. Jack Sawyer’s remark was key to one of the most significant controversies in college football and wasn’t just a casual offseason jab.
The now-famous sign-stealing incident in Michigan hung over the 2023 campaign. Following evidence that then-staffer Connor Stalions had planned an in-person scouting operation that allegedly assisted Michigan in deciphering opponents’ play signals.
This scouting would end up causing the NCAA to open an investigation. Many Buckeye players and fans still hold onto their memories of what they perceive to be a tainted run, even though the Wolverines went on to win the national title. Sawyer immediately addressed that unresolved tension with his comments.
It has advanced since Sherrone Moore took over after Jim Harbaugh left Michigan. However, the scandals’ shadow continues to linger. Since the NCAA has not yet issued a final decision, the story is still open, and Ohio State players believe that justice has not been done.
Sawyer’s subtle jab is a reminder that Ohio State feels wronged and isn’t just about 2024 promotional hype. They’re also not prepared to forget or forgive, particularly now that The Game is returning to Columbus.
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