Newcomer Ja'Kobi Jackson has taken an important step in his transition to the Buckeyes.
Jackson, a transfer from Florida, became the first Ohio State player to have his black stripe removed during preseason camp on Tuesday. The removal came after the Buckeyes' fifth practice and officially welcomed Jackson to the program's "brotherhood."
The black stripe ceremony remains a significant rite of passage in Ohio State's football culture. Players new to the program wear a black stripe over the scarlet center stripe on their silver helmets when they arrive in Columbus. The stripe is removed only when a player demonstrates his commitment to the program, both on and off the field.
🚨 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 🚨 The Lock Boyz adding a Versatile
Back to the room‼️Welcome, @24JJACK 🌰 pic.twitter.com/d1Eanpc1bw
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 11, 2026
The 6-foot, 219-pound Jackson joined Ohio State after two seasons with the Florida Gators. Jackson appeared in all 13 games for the Gators 2024 and was limited to four games in 2025 due to an injury.
The redshirt senior enters a talented Ohio State running back room with some momentum. While shedding the black stripe doesn't determine a player's place on a depth chart, it does signify an important accomplishment and signals that Jackson has earned the respect of the Ohio State coaching staff.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: RB Ja’Kobi Jackson Becomes First Buckeye to Shed Black Stripe
