Ohio State football players shed black stripes ahead of 2026 season

Ohio State football continues its tradition of removing black stripes from players' helmets, signifying their full membership in the Buckeye brotherhood. This season, 51 newcomers are part of this rite of passage, with several players having their stripes removed during spring practice and fall camp. Notable recent removals include Ja'Kobi Jackson and Stanley Jackson Jr. on August 11, and Jordan Thomas and Legend Bey on August 25. The process of black stripe removals marks the players' readiness to contribute as the team approaches its season opener against Ball State on September 5.

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