Sport: College Sports Category: Transactions

Ohio State football players shed black stripes ahead of 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 10:51 PM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

Ohio State football players shed black stripes ahead of 2026 season

Summary

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.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•51 newcomers are integrating into the Ohio State football program this year.
•Black stripes represent membership in the Buckeye brotherhood.
•Recent players who removed their stripes include Jordan Thomas and Legend Bey.
•The team's season opener is scheduled against Ball State on September 5.

Latest Updates

10:51 PMYahoo Sports — Ohio State football 2026 black stripe tracker | Buckeyes Wire

What they're saying

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We are keeping track of all the Ohio State newcomers that have their black stripes removed to become a part of the "brotherhood" in 2026.
— Yahoo Sports

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