ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 20: Head Coach Ryan Day and JT Tuimoloau #44 of the Ohio State Buckeyes … [+]
The Ohio State University Buckeyes won the college football national title with a performance that underscored the power of a top-tier defense meticulously built from the ground up.
On a defining night Monday, the Buckeyes defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 34-23, to secure the game’s ultimate prize. While Ohio State has faced scrutiny for using the transfer portal to bolster its roster, their defensive unit tells a different story. In addition to standout secondary players Caleb Downs and Davison Igbinosun, the other nine defensive players were homegrown — a testament to their commitment to developing talent in-house. In today’s landscape dominated by NIL deals and the transfer portal, assembling such a cohesive unit from within is a rarity.
At the heart of that victory was Jack Sawyer, the first recruit signed by coach Ryan Day when he took over at OSU in 2019. Sawyer was instrumental last year in rallying his teammates to return for a season of late, even convincing some to postpone their NFL ambitions.
“Basically, we had a group conversation, with the seniors and the guys who could be coming back for a fifth year, and we just started talking,” Sawyer told the Players’ Tribune. “I know we all want to do this one last time, and do it right, not ‘what if.’ And I know we all have great opportunities to play at the next level. But imagine where we will be and how we will feel if we win the game. We have our whole careers to play at the next level – and our whole lives to be Buckeyes. But we only have one more shot at being national champions … and being a national champion is forever. So I knew we all had to make our own decision, but I told them where my head was at. Let’s turn this around and end this properly. One more, then forever.”
For business leaders, this story offers profound insights: the power of a core team and the unmatched value of local talent. In a world where bringing in outside expertise is often seen as a shortcut to success, the Buckeyes remind us that investing in the people you’ve nurtured can be the ultimate game changer.
Like Sawyer and his fellow advocates, senior talent deeply understands your organization’s culture, values and mission. These team members have grown up within your system, embodying its principles and serving as living proof of its success. They integrate seamlessly, leveraging their comprehensive knowledge of your company’s history, processes and challenges. This knowledge enables them to make informed decisions, anticipate obstacles, and create solutions that are uniquely suited to your organization.
Nurturing internal talent fosters loyalty and commitment. Employees who see clear paths for growth are more likely to remain engaged and motivated, leading to higher retention rates and lower turnover costs. This loyalty translates into a cohesive and resilient team.
Promoting from within also sends a powerful message throughout your organization: hard work and performance are recognized and rewarded. This inspires employees at all levels, creating a culture of opportunity and innovation. When team members believe in their potential for advancement, they are more willing to go the extra mile, leading your company to excellence.
As Buckeye fans can attest, the rewards of developing local talent are tremendous. By focusing on internal development, businesses build not only a knowledgeable and loyal workforce, but also a culture that thrives on growth, continuity and long-term success. The greatest untapped resource in your organization may be sitting right next to you, ready to step up and deliver.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 20: Jack Sawyer #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after a touchdown … [+]
Sawyer’s reflection sums it up perfectly: “Coming back as a senior is a decision I would make again in a heartbeat. It has been a dream come true for me to play football at this school, and I mean that literally. I dreamed of playing here – and then it became a reality.”
After the game, Coach Day echoed that sentiment, praising the core of his team for their commitment. “I think this playoff system allowed our team to grow, learn and build. You can say what you want—people talked a lot about how much money the guys were making at NIL and things like that. This was only because NIL was available. Most of our team returned. These guys have been here a long time,” Day told Cleveland.com.
