The latest Ohio State freshman has lost his black stripe.
Simeon Caldwell
, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound safety, was the latest newcomer to lose his black stripe on Wednesday. Caldwell is part of the Ohio State 2026 recruiting class and comes out of Jacksonville, Florida. He was a four-star prospect coming out of high school and was viewed as one of the most versatile players in his class. He had chosen the Buckeyes over Miami, Notre Dame, and USC.The versatility could eventually impact where he ultimately settles in the Ohio State defensive backfield. At safety, his size can be utilized to match up against bigger targets, support the run, or play near the line of scrimmage if needed.
🚨 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 🚨 BIA just added a ball hawk
to the secondary, Welcome to the Brotherhood, @Sim_C28 🌰 pic.twitter.com/pCzWZexpS7
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 19, 2026
The black stripe has become one of the most celebrated traditions in Columbus ever since then-head coach Urban Meyer brought it over from his previous stops. Newcomers arrive with a black stripe down the center of their helmets, and it is removed only after coaches and staff feel like the player has proven he has bought into the Buckeyes program and has shown himself worthy.
Caldwell may not be needed immediately for Ohio State in their defensive backfield, but him being able to shed his stripe so early shows that he has gotten the eyes and attention of the coaching staff that will ultimately decide when he is ready.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Black Stripe Removed! DB Simeon Caldwell latest to impress
