Ohio State’s 'black stripe' tradition is an initiation practice where new players start with a black stripe on their helmets, which is removed only after they demonstrate commitment, improvement, and readiness to be full members of the team. This tradition, introduced by Coach Urban Meyer, is designed to motivate and encourage new players, showing that earning a place on the team requires more than skill—it requires discipline, dedication, and alignment with Ohio State’s values. Once a player has shown their commitment and achieved specific performance and leadership milestones, they undergo a ceremony where the black stripe is removed, symbolizing their official membership in the Ohio State Buckeyes team.