Ohio State's Sept. 19 football matchup against Kent State will be a "helmet stripe" game, with fans encouraged to wear colors that are coordinated to make Ohio Stadium look like a Buckeye football helmet.
What fans need to wear depends on their seating.
Since 2025, Ohio State has followed a "Tradition Evolved” campaign, aimed at boosting the game-day atmosphere. Ohio State Athletics began the campaign with three color-out games implemented in the 2025-26 college football season.
Here's what to know about the helmet stripe game:
When is the Ohio State helmet stripe game?
The Ohio State football helmet stripe game against the Kent State Golden Flashes is at noon Sept. 19.
What colors should fans wear to the Ohio State helmet stripe game?
Fans attending the Ohio State football helmet stripe game are asked to wear colors based on specific sections of The Shoe:
- Grey: All fans except those in the south end of the stadium
- Scarlet: South end sections 37-39
- White: South end sections 33-36
- Black: South end sections 31-32
Running it back with the Helmet Stripe Game ⚫️⚪️🔴
— Ohio State Buckeyes 🌰 (@OhioStAthletics) September 16, 2026
If you're in the south end zone student section, make sure you check what color you are wearing!
If you are sitting anywhere else, wear your gray Buckeye gear 🗣️@OhioStateFB x @OSUBlockO pic.twitter.com/VHkMSBt0U1
Ohio State football's 2026 home-game themes and events
- vs Ball State (Sept. 5)
- Senior day
- Jim Tressel's Ring of Honor induction
- Alumni band and spirit day
- vs Kent State (Sept. 19)
- "Scarlet & Gray" game
- "Helmet Stripe" game
- Faculty and staff appreciation
- vs Illinois (Sept. 26)
- 2026 Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame weekend
- "Buckeyes for a Cancer Free World" game
- vs Maryland (Oc. 10)
- Homecoming game
- vs Northwestern (Nov. 14)
- Military appreciation
Ohio State is also expected to wear its new all-black jerseys, but the uniforms are decided on a game-by-game basis. The Buckeyes have yet to announce when they will wear the black uniforms in the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What fans should wear for Ohio State helmet stripe game vs. Kent State
