Eric Boggs
Few traditions capture the spirit of Ohio State football quite like the removal of the black stripe. Introduced in 2012 by Urban Meyer, the stripe is placed on every new player’s helmet when they join the program, whether they are freshmen, transfers, or walk-ons. It serves as a reminder that wearing the scarlet and gray must be earned. Only after demonstrating the toughness, work ethic, and dedication required to contribute at the highest level can a Buckeye have that stripe removed, signaling that he has officially been welcomed into the brotherhood.
This fall, several young Buckeyes have reached that milestone, joining a proud list of players who earned the honor before them. Safety Faheem Delane, ranked among the top prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, had his black stripe removed after the third week of preseason camp. Delane’s quick rise reflects the high expectations surrounding him, as he is already pushing for a place in the two-deep behind Caleb Downs, Jaylen McClain, and Malik Hartford.
Joining him is guard Jake Cook, the Westerville North product who rose late in his high school career to earn an Ohio State offer. Cook’s work ethic and steady progress impressed the coaching staff enough to solidify his place among the Buckeyes’ top backup guards, and the removal of his stripe makes his new role official.
The tradition doesn’t just highlight incoming freshmen. Redshirt freshman punter Nick McLarty also shed his black stripe this August. Standing 6-foot-7 and hailing from Australia, McLarty is locked in a battle with Joe McGuire for the starting job, and his progress is another sign that the Buckeyes’ special teams are in strong hands.
Perhaps the most anticipated removal came from running back Bo Jackson. The in-state freshman was one of the standout performers of spring practice and carried that momentum into fall camp. His performances have shown that he is not only ready to contribute but could also play an important role in the backfield depth this season. When his black stripe came off, it confirmed what fans and coaches alike had already seen: Jackson is the real deal.
The black stripe tradition has become more than just a rite of passage. For players, it marks the moment when they are no longer just participants in practice but true Buckeyes who embody the program’s standard. For fans, it’s a glimpse into the future of the team, offering a first look at which newcomers are already proving they belong. In 2025, as names like Delane, Cook, McLarty, and Jackson are added to the list, the tradition remains as meaningful as ever, keeping Ohio State’s culture of toughness, accountability, and excellence alive.
