Ohio State Freshmen Lautar, Akih Lose Black Stripes

Freshman tight end Nick Lautar and running back Favour Akih have officially earned their spots on the Buckeyes roster.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Football

Ohio State Freshmen Lautar, Akih Lose Black Stripes

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Ohio State players Nick Lautar and Favour Akih successfully removed their black stripes this week, signifying their full integration into the team. The tradition serves as a marker for newcomers to prove they have earned the right to be called Buckeyes.

Why it matters

The black stripe tradition is a foundational element of the program culture in Columbus, requiring players to prove their readiness through hard work. It serves as a rite of passage for young athletes joining the team.

Nick Lautar, a three-star recruit from Lebanon, Ohio, has logged 17 snaps across three appearances this season. He and Favour Akih are the fourth and fifth players to have their stripes removed this year.

The players

Nick Lautar

He is a freshman tight end and a former three-star prospect from Lebanon, Ohio.

Favour Akih

He is a running back who recently earned his place on the Buckeyes roster.

Ryan Day

He serves as the head coach of the Ohio State University football team.

Urban Meyer

He is the former head coach who implemented the black-stripe tradition at the university in 2012.

The details

Upon arriving at Ohio State University, each player is issued a helmet with a black stripe that remains in place until they reach a designated level of performance. This process ensures that only those who demonstrate sufficient growth and commitment are fully welcomed into the program.

Thursday, October 22, 2026: Nick Lautar and Favour Akih removed their black stripes.
2019: Ryan Day took over as head coach.
2012: Urban Meyer brought the black-stripe custom to Ohio State.

Season Trajectory

The removal of these stripes marks a significant milestone in the development of young players during a high-stakes season for the No. 3 ranked Buckeyes. It signals that these freshmen are now integrated into the rotation as the team pushes toward its postseason goals.

With Nick Lautar having played 17 snaps already, his loss of the black stripe confirms he is a reliable option in the tight end rotation. Fans should monitor his increased participation in upcoming games as the coaching staff looks to deepen the offensive depth chart.

The takeaway

The black stripe tradition maintains a high standard for incoming players by requiring tangible on-field contributions before they are considered full Buckeyes. It emphasizes that status within the program is earned through effort rather than recruitment ranking.