Former Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer recently made headlines when 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 said that in 2023 and 2024, the Wolverines beat them fairly, the 23-year-old opined that the Buckeyes dominated the 2022 matchup. Sherrone Moore is now the head coach of the Wolverines.
His 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 university suspension in 2025. The university 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 the Wolverines’ future.
What’s Next for Jack Sawyer?
Coming off a strong final season at Ohio State, Jack Sawyer enters the NFL with momentum. He led the Buckeyes to a national championship while collecting 56 total tackles, nine sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. He also earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors, which made him an intriguing prospect in the 2025 Draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Sawyer in the fourth round, and he is officially in his first training camp. The rookie seems impressive, as even analyst Alex Kozora remarked that Sawyer “rushes like a vet”.
With the amount of upside Sawyer has, being a Steeler is perfect for him. He will look to learn under veterans such as Patrick Queen and T.J. Watt, who are among the best in the league. If Sawyer’s natural drive and instincts translate, the Steelers could have another elite defensive talent.
But as Sawyer begins his pro journey, one thing will always follow him — his feelings about Michigan. Whether he likes it or not, his comments have stirred the pot, and it’s something fans won’t let go of anytime soon.
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