Sawyer is a true hometown star for Ohio State — he was born and raised in Columbus. On top of football, he also grew up playing basketball. Sawyer attended Pickerington High School North in Ohio, where he became one of the nation's top recruits.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are closing in on a national title, and only the Notre Dame Fighting Irish stand in the way. In the lead up to the National Championship

There's no question that Ohio State's fourth consecutive loss to Michigan back on Nov. 30 sent shockwaves through Columbus. The Buckeyes, who had entered the matchup as a three-touchdown favorite, looked completely rattled against a Wolverine defense that held them to a season low 10 points.

The Fighting Irish advanced to the game by beating No. 6 Penn State, 27-24, in the Capital One Orange Bowl. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman had extra motivation before the semifinal, becoming " angry " after Nittany Lions coach James Franklin poked fun at the now 39-year-old coach's youth.

As Ohio State prepares for the national championship against Notre Dame, he highlighted the importance of faith, family and friends in guiding the team.

That’s due, partially, to the fact that the Buckeyes have won three straight playoff games — including two in blowout fashion. It’s been a remarkable turnaround for an Ohio State team that appeared to be on the brink of a total failure of a season.

Weeks after facing immense pressure following another Ohio State loss to Michigan, Day is a win away from the college football mountaintop.

On the eve of the national championship game, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman held their final joint press conference.

Lou Holtz became the target of Ohio State coach Ryan Day's post-game rant after the Buckeyes beat the Irish 17-14 on Sept. 23, 2023.

Ohio State fans have complicated feelings toward Day, who has lost four straight to Michigan but is one win away from a national title.

Emotionally, this has been a season unlike any other for Ryan Day. Less than two months ago, loud and influential media voices were calling for the firing of the nation’s winningest active coach in the wake of Ohio State’s fourth straight loss to Michigan.