The Ohio State Buckeyes booked their spot in the National Championship Game with a 28-14 victory over the Texas Longhorns. The pivotal play in the game saw Texas’ star quarterback Quinn Ewers get strip-sacked by Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer, who picked the ball up and returned it 83 yards for the game-sealing touchdown.

While this play was notable considering it effectively ended the game in the fourth quarter, there was also a deeper tie that fans were quick to note. That’s because Ewers and Sawyer were actually roommates back when the talented passer was with the Buckeyes.

Sawyer got the best of Ewers here, and he ended the Longhorns season in one fell swoop. It doesn’t appear there’s any bad blood between the two, though, as a slow-motion video of Ewers and Sawyer during this game showed Texas’ star quarterback flashing a smile at his friend as they crossed paths on the field.

Ewers and Sawyer were part of Ohio State’s recruiting class back in 2021, with both being highly-touted five-star prospects. They ended up living together before Ewers transferred to Texas, where he has spent the past three seasons starting under center for the Longhorns.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers and Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer

© Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

With both guys seeming destined for the NFL as part of the 2025 draft class, they are heading into the offseason on very different notes. Sawyer will be looking to help the Buckeyes win a National Championship before he departs for the pros, while Ewers will be lamenting this missed opportunity to win it all with the Longhorns.

Even though both guys are feeling very differently about this play, it’s clear the bond between them is still as strong as ever. And while Ewers may be salty about how things transpired, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he roots for his old friend to come out on top in the National Championship Game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.