Texas QB Quinn Ewers Praises Jack Sawyer, Sarkisian Credits Ohio State After 28–14 Loss That Exposes Longhorns’ Shortcomings

Texas Quarterback Quinn Ewers Praises Former Ohio State Roommate Jack Sawyer, Head Coach Steve Sarkisian Credits Buckeyes in Wake of 28-14 Defeat

In the aftermath of Texas’ sobering 28-14 defeat at the hands of Ohio State, quarterback Quinn Ewers didn’t shy away from acknowledging the performance of his former team—or the man who once shared his quarterback room. With a tone that was equal parts respectful and reflective, Ewers praised Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer, calling his former teammate “relentless, poised, and exactly what I remembered from our time together in Columbus.”

For the second time in as many seasons, the Longhorns entered a nationally televised showdown with expectations of asserting their elite status. Instead, they left the field bruised, both physically and reputationally, having been stifled by an Ohio State defense that made Ewers’ Saturday afternoon one of the most frustrating of his career. Sawyer, in particular, was at the center of that disruption.

The former five-star defensive end registered 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and was a constant presence in the backfield, making life difficult for Ewers behind a Texas offensive line that wilted under pressure.

“Jack’s always had that dog in him,” Ewers said after the game. “When we were rooming together, I saw how hard he worked, how much film he studied, and how badly he wanted to dominate. It didn’t surprise me, what he did today—it reminded me exactly why he’s one of the best defenders in the country.”

The reunion between the two former roommates was one of the more intriguing subplots heading into the primetime clash. Both were five-star recruits in the class of 2021. Ewers made headlines by skipping his senior year of high school and enrolling early at Ohio State, only to transfer to Texas after one season behind C.J. Stroud. Sawyer stayed, developed steadily under Larry Johnson, and has since blossomed into a defensive cornerstone for the Buckeyes.

Saturday’s result wasn’t just a showcase for Sawyer’s development—it was also a sobering moment for Texas. The Longhorns, pegged by some as playoff contenders, were outclassed from the opening whistle. Despite a few bright spots, including a second-quarter touchdown drive that momentarily closed the gap to 14-7, Texas never fully threatened Ohio State’s lead. The Buckeyes controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and dominated time of possession, exposing a Longhorns team that still appears a step away from elite.

For Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, the loss was less about finger-pointing and more about acknowledging a better-prepared opponent. In an unusually candid postgame press conference, Sarkisian credited Ohio State’s culture, discipline, and game-day readiness.

“I give full credit to Coach Day and that program,” Sarkisian said. “They’ve built something incredibly consistent up there. The way their defense played—fast, physical, disciplined—it’s a reflection of a team that’s been in the biggest moments and knows how to handle them. We’ve still got growing to do.”

When asked about his own quarterback’s struggles—Ewers finished 19-of-35 for 212 yards with one touchdown and one interception—Sarkisian pointed to the disruption created by Ohio State’s defensive front, which sacked Ewers four times and hurried him on countless other occasions.

“They collapsed the pocket. We weren’t consistent enough in our protections,” Sarkisian noted. “That’s a top-tier defensive line. You make one mistake, they make you pay. And that’s exactly what happened.”

Though the Texas faithful may find little solace in moral victories, Sarkisian’s tone carried a note of reverence toward what Ohio State represents—and what Texas, he implied, still aspires to be.

“They’ve been through the wars. Their players know the standard. And that’s where we’re trying to go,” Sarkisian continued. “It’s not just about talent, it’s about how you execute, how you handle adversity, and how consistent you are week to week. Ohio State showed us that today.”

Jack Sawyer, for his part, was more subdued in his praise of Ewers, though he made it clear there’s no bad blood between the two.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Quinn,” Sawyer said postgame. “He’s a competitor, and he’s got one of the best arms in college football. I know that loss stings for him, but I also know he’ll bounce back. He’s got that fire.”

Sawyer’s performance has only solidified his rising stock in the eyes of NFL scouts. After choosing to return for one more season at Ohio State rather than enter last spring’s draft, the junior edge rusher has looked like a man on a mission. His play against Texas now serves as a statement—not just to the Longhorns, but to the nation—that he belongs in the conversation for the best defensive player in college football.

Beyond the individual accolades, the Buckeyes’ team-wide effort was a demonstration of the depth and maturity that comes from years of sustained excellence. Their ability to dominate a talented Texas squad—even on the road—signals that Ryan Day’s squad remains a national title threat in the post-C.J. Stroud era.

Ohio State quarterback Devin Brown, making just his third career start, was composed and efficient. He threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover, managing the game like a veteran and delivering key completions under pressure. Combined with TreVeyon Henderson’s 118 rushing yards and a defense that forced two turnovers, the Buckeyes looked balanced, dangerous, and fully capable of running the table.

For Texas, the road forward becomes more complicated. This loss doesn’t eliminate them from College Football Playoff contention, but it raises serious questions about their readiness to compete with the sport’s true heavyweights. Ewers will have to recover both mentally and physically, and Sarkisian’s staff will be tasked with tightening up communication, protection, and tackling—all of which looked shaky in the face of Ohio State’s speed and physicality.

“We can’t let this one define us,” Ewers said. “We’ve still got a long season ahead. This is about learning, adjusting, and making sure we don’t feel this way again.”

That mindset—hopeful but honest—may ultimately determine how far this Texas team goes. The talent is undeniable. But as Saturday night in Austin revealed, talent alone doesn’t win against teams like Ohio State. It takes cohesion, resilience, and the kind of ruthlessly efficient execution that Ryan Day’s Buckeyes continue to exemplify.

The handshake between Ewers and Sawyer after the final whistle was brief but telling—two competitors, once teammates, now on opposite ends of a revealing outcome. For Sawyer, it was validation. For Ewers, it was motivation. And for everyone watching, it was a reminder of how small the margin is between hype and hardware.

In the coming weeks, the spotlight will remain fixed on both programs for very different reasons. Ohio State, again a legitimate national title threat, will look to maintain momentum. Texas, meanwhile, must look inward and decide what kind of team it wants to be.

One thing is certain: If the Longhorns hope to rise to the level of the Buckeyes, they’ll have to turn lessons learned from defeat into fuel for transformation. And fast.