COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s Max LeBlanc lost his black stripe, the team announced via social media Thursday.
The addition of the freshman from Baylor High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, gives the Buckeyes much-needed depth at tight end.
Ohio State has had four tight ends contribute this season: Gee Scott, Jelani Thurman, Bennett Christian and Will Kacmarek.
However, in Saturday’s 32-31 loss at Oregon, Kacmarek was injured.
During a radio hit with 97.1 The Fan on Monday, Day said Kacmarek is, “probably going to be (out) a little while.”
What does it mean for an Ohio State player to lose his black stripe?
The black stripe tradition is one that dates back to 2012 when Urban Meyer served as Ohio State’s coach.
Each newcomer to the program had a black stripe added to their helmet. Once they prove they can put in the work required to be a Buckeye, the black stripe is removed.
A newcomer cannot play until they lose their black stripe.
Ohio State 2024 black stripe tracker
Below is the chronological tracker of when scholarship players officially became Buckeyes in 2024:
March 21: Jeremiah Smith, wide receiver
March 26: Caleb Downs, safety
March 26: Quinshon Judkins, running back
March 30: Will Howard, quarterback
March 30: Seth McLaughlin, center
April 5: Will Kacmarek, tight end
April 8: Julian Sayin, quarterback
August 7: Jaylen McClain, safety
August 9: Eddrick Houston, defensive end
August 9: James Peoples, running back
August 13: Payton Pierce, linebacker
August 15: Ian Moore, offensive tackle
August 21: Leroy Roker, safety
August 21: Mylan Graham, wide receiver
August 27: Aaron Scott Jr., cornerback
Sept. 25: Air Noland, quarterback
Oct. 17: Max LeBlanc, tight end
