COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State announced the removal of linebacker TJ Alford ’s black stripe on September 17, marking the 22nd player to earn Buckeye status this season officially. The “black stripe” tradition, introduced by the OG Urban Meyer in 2012, requires all newcomers — freshmen, transfers and walk-ons — to wear black tape across their Buckeye helmet stripe until they prove themselves in practice and games. You can’t officially be a Buckeye until that black stripe comes off.

On Wednesday, Alford, a four-star linebacker from Florida, became the 12th member of Ohio State’s freshman class to shed his stripe this fall. He saw legit action in the Buckeyes’ first 2 wins over Grambling State and Ohio, racking up three tackles and one tackle for loss. He joined freshman linebacker Riley

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