Ohio State football newcomers participate in black stripe tradition
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 12:29 PM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
Ohio State football begins training camp with players losing their black stripes. The black stripe signifies that newcomers, including freshmen and transfers, have earned their place on the team. This tradition was initiated by Urban Meyer in 2012 and has continued under head coach Ryan Day, serving as a marker of a player's assimilation into the program. Players celebrate this milestone publicly when their stripes are removed.
- •Ohio State football is in training camp as of August 12, 2026.
- •New players begin with a black stripe on their helmets.
- •Losing the black stripe indicates acceptance into the team.
- •The tradition was started by Urban Meyer and continues under Ryan Day.
- •The program celebrates players as they earn their full membership.
- 12:29 PMYahoo Sports — Ohio State Football’s Black Stripe Tradition, Explained
"The helmet ritual that tells Ohio State newcomers they have earned more than a roster spot — they have earned the brotherhood.
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