RB Ja’Kobi Jackson Becomes First Buckeye to Shed Black Stripe
The Florida transfer is already earning respect in Columbus.
Ja’Kobi Jackson, a new addition to Ohio State’s football team, has made history as the first player in program history to have his black stripe removed during preseason camp. Hailing from Florida, Jackson transferred to Ohio State and officially joined the team’s brotherhood after the fifth practice of the camp. The black stripe, worn over the scarlet center stripe on silver helmets, is a significant rite of passage at Ohio State.
It is only removed when a player demonstrates commitment to the program, both on and off the field. Jackson, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 219 pounds, entered Ohio State after two successful seasons with the Florida Gators, where he played in all 13 games in 2024. However, in 2025, he was limited to only four games due to an injury.
As a redshirt senior, Jackson brings valuable experience to Ohio State’s talented running back room, which is already showing promising momentum. While the removal of the black stripe does not determine a player’s position on the depth chart, it marks a significant achievement and shows respect from the coaching staff.
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