Two Freshmen Shed Black Stripes as Ohio State Gears Up for Playoff Run
As Ohio State locks in for its College Football Playoff push, two more young Buckeyes have officially earned their stripes-literally.
Freshmen Eli Lee and Brody Lennon had their black stripes removed on Tuesday, a long-standing tradition in Columbus that marks the moment a newcomer is fully welcomed into the program. It’s more than just a ceremonial gesture; it’s a rite of passage that signals a player has earned the respect of the locker room and coaching staff alike.
Lee, a linebacker out of Archbishop Hoban in Akron, came to Ohio State as a three-star prospect. While his on-field action has been limited-just six defensive snaps-his development behind the scenes clearly hasn’t gone unnoticed. The black stripe removal is a nod to his work ethic and growth within a defense that demands discipline and physicality.
On the offensive side, tight end Brody Lennon also crossed that threshold. Hailing from Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, Lennon’s journey mirrors Lee’s: a three-star recruit who’s seen just six snaps, but has made enough of an impression in practice, meetings, and the weight room to earn his place as a true Buckeye.
That brings the total to 16 freshmen who’ve had their black stripes removed this season. The tradition, which dates back to the Urban Meyer era, is a staple of Ohio State culture. It’s not about stars or headlines-it’s about proving you belong.
Buckeyes Hoops Wraps Nonconference Slate with Dominant Win
While the football team eyes a title run, the men’s basketball squad is quietly building momentum of its own. Ohio State closed out nonconference play with an 89-63 win over Grambling State on Saturday, improving to 9-3 on the year.
The Buckeyes took care of business with authority, and now the focus shifts to the grind of Big Ten play. They’ve already had a taste of conference action, splitting their early December matchups-grabbing a road win at Northwestern before falling to Illinois.
Next up: a January 2 showdown with Rutgers. From here on out, every game carries weight as Ohio State looks to establish itself as a serious contender in one of college basketball’s deepest leagues.
Circle These Dates: What’s Ahead for the Buckeyes
As the calendar flips to the new year, the schedule only gets more intense in Columbus. Here’s a quick look at what’s on deck for Ohio State:
- Cotton Bowl vs. Miami: Just a week away, on Dec. 31, the Buckeyes face off in a marquee bowl matchup that could serve as a springboard into the playoff semifinals.
- Transfer Portal Window Opens: From Jan. 2-16, expect movement across the roster landscape as players explore new opportunities-and Ohio State looks to reload and reinforce.
- College Football Playoff Semifinal: Set for Jan. 8-9, the Buckeyes will be looking to punch their ticket to the title game.
- National Championship Game: If they make it through the semifinal, the Buckeyes will take the field on Jan. 19 with a shot at college football’s biggest prize.
- The Game 2026: It’s never too early to look ahead.
The next chapter of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is already marked on the calendar: Nov. 28, 2026.
From rising freshmen earning their stripes to a basketball team heating up and a football program chasing glory, it’s a busy-and potentially historic-stretch for Ohio State athletics. Buckle up.