Ohio State freshman Jordan Thomas loses black stripe during camp

Ohio State cornerback Jordan Thomas had his black stripe removed after practice on August 25, signifying his acceptance into the team's culture. The decision reflects the coaching staff's confidence in the four-star recruit, who was ranked as the No. 104 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class. Thomas joins fellow freshman Legend Bey, who also lost his stripe on the same day. The black stripe tradition, started by Urban Meyer, marks a player's readiness to fully join the Buckeye family before their first collegiate game. Thomas's recognition may signal a positive trajectory for his upcoming season in a competitive defensive backs group.

• 9:03 PMYahoo Sports — Ohio State freshman has electric reaction to losing black stripe