Ohio State star Eddrick Houston gets rid of the black stripe ahead of the 2024 CFB season 

The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the elite teams in college football. They have unique traditions, and their most eye-catching trademark has been the black stripe. The latest prospect to earn the removal of the black stripe was defensive end Eddrick Houston. The touted freshman had exemplary spring and summer practices, leading to the honor.

The black stripe has existed since the days of former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, who introduced the rite-of-passage during his successful tenure as coach of the Florida Gators.

The practice involves players earning the honor of being called a Buckeye. After receiving their uniforms, the newcomers have a black stripe placed on their helmets. After proving their mettle, the black stripe is removed.

After succeeding Meyer in 2019, coach Ryan Day kept the tradition alive. Alongside Houston, freshman safety Jaylen McClain also lost his black stripe.

The Buckeyes' director of player development, C. J. Barnett, announced Eddrick Houston's black stripe removal in a clip posted by the program's X account.

"We got a black stripe alert," Barnett said. "Aye man, this guy's lived up to the hype so far. Making plays all over the field. The newest member of the Rushmen, Eddrick Houston."

How Ohio State almost lost Eddrick Houston

Eddrick Houston was a highly recruited prospect. According to 247Sports, he ranked as the No. 7 defensive lineman and No. 33 overall talent in the 2024 class.

Houston was courted by Notre Dame, Alabama and Michigan. However, Ohio State won the 6'3, 270-pounder's commitment.

Yet, on signing day, Houston stopped communicating with OSU, and it emerged that he almost flipped his commitment to the Crimson Tide.

Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson told reporters just how close they were to losing the prospect.

“He just went quiet. No one could talk to him,” Larry Johnson said. “And then finally we got to reach [Eddrick] and got to talk to him. I think he knew where his heart was. His heart was always here. He’s always said "This is where I want to be, I want to be here.’ I think [him] coming to that decision at that late stage scared everybody in a sense.”

Based on how quickly he lost his black stripe, Ohio State fans will almost certainly praise Houston this season for choosing their program.