Ohio State sacks leader Sawyer returning in 2024

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior WriterJan 5, 2024, 03:05 PM ET
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- College football reporter.
- Joined ESPN.com in 2008.
- Graduate of Northwestern University.

Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer, who led the team in sacks and is a former No. 1 overall recruit, will return to the Buckeyes for the 2024 season.

Sawyer, who had hinted at a return last month, announced his decision Friday on social media. He completed his best season as a Buckeye in 2023, recording 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 3 quarterback hurries.

I’m back. #ReloadtheClip pic.twitter.com/71X2z5dtnc

— Jack Sawyer (@jacksawyer33) January 5, 2024

The 6-foot-4, 265-pound junior earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the media and third-team honors from the coaches. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. rated Sawyer as the No. 8 eligible defensive end prospect for the 2024 NFL draft.

He will rejoin lineman Tyleik Williams, who announced his return Wednesday. Ohio State is awaiting a decision from defensive end JT Tuimoloau, Kiper’s No. 2 defensive end prospect, who has played opposite Sawyer throughout their careers.

Sawyer was ESPN’s No. 1 overall recruit in the 2021 class out of Pickerington, Ohio. He has 13.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss and 3 forced fumbles in his career.