Ohio State added another specialist to the fold on Monday, and this time it was long snapper Dalton Riggs getting the nod.
After the Buckeyes’ 15th practice of fall camp, the fifth-year senior had his black stripe removed, a sign he has earned his place in the program. Special teams has already been a busy area for Ohio State this offseason, with Robby Discher joining the group along with kickers Connor Hawkins from Baylor and Marcello Diomede from Notre Dame.
Riggs gives the unit more than just a body at long snapper. Before a field goal attempt can even get off the ground, somebody has to handle the snap and the hold, and Ohio State acknowledged that role on Monday.
C.J. Barnett, the Scarlet and Gray director of player development, delivered the news to the team after practice.
"We've got a black stripe alert," Barnett said. "This guy's dance moves are questionable, but his play ain't.
This guy has made our team better. The newest member of the specialists, Dalton Riggs."
The black-stripe tradition goes back to Urban Meyer’s time in Columbus, when he brought it with him from Florida ahead of the 2012 season. The stripe sits on a player’s helmet when he arrives and stays there until the coaches decide he has earned Buckeye status. Ryan Day kept the tradition going when he took over before the 2019 season.
Riggs arrived in Columbus after a winding college path. Hailing from Eagle, Idaho, he played long snapper, tight end and defensive end in high school and did not receive a 247Sports ranking.
He spent his first three college seasons at BYU, where he appeared in 15 games, then transferred to UCF ahead of the 2025 season and started at long snapper for the Knights. He entered the portal again this offseason and committed to Ohio State.
In the video announcing the black stripe removal, Riggs thanked the people around him for helping him settle in. "Hey man, I really appreciate you guys letting me come in here," Riggs said.
"I've had a great time with all of you guys. I enjoy being with you guys individually.
Shout out to Dream Team, kicking my butt every day and getting me better. Shout out to each and every one of you being a friend.
Being a Buckeye just means a lot to me. Go Bucks!"
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