Ohio State Linebacker Riley Pettijohn Officially Becomes a Buckeye as He Gets His Black Stripe Removed During Fall Camp

The symbolic moment every Ohio State freshman dreams about finally arrived for Riley Pettijohn. The freshman linebacker out of McKinney, Texas, officially shed his black stripe during Ohio State’s fall camp, a key milestone that signifies his transition from being just another newcomer to a true Buckeye in the eyes of the program. Pettijohn, one of the crown jewels of Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class, has been making waves in practice ever since he stepped foot on campus, and his black stripe removal marks the latest affirmation of his growth, effort, and dedication to the Scarlet and Gray.

For the uninitiated, the black stripe tradition at Ohio State is one of the most cherished rites of passage in college football. Each incoming player—whether a freshman or transfer—arrives at Ohio State with a black stripe down the middle of their helmet. The idea, instituted by former head coach Urban Meyer in 2012, is to visually represent that a player is not yet officially part of the Buckeye brotherhood. The removal of that stripe means a player has earned his spot, both in terms of effort on the field and off it. It is not simply about performance; it’s about embodying the culture, commitment, and values of the Ohio State football program.

For Pettijohn, the journey to this point has been as intense as it has been impressive. Arriving at a program with national championship expectations, the pressure on young athletes to perform can be immense. But from early reports and practice footage, it’s clear that Pettijohn hasn’t just kept up—he’s thrived. From the moment he began participating in team workouts and drills, the linebacker made a strong impression with his athleticism, football IQ, and tenacity. Coaches have consistently praised his maturity, work ethic, and the way he absorbs information quickly. For a true freshman linebacker—a position that requires both instinct and intelligence—to catch on this quickly is no small feat.

It’s also worth noting that Pettijohn’s black stripe removal came relatively early in the fall camp timeline, which is often a sign that a player is not only adjusting but excelling. This development suggests that the coaching staff sees him as someone who could potentially contribute earlier than expected. While it’s too soon to say whether Pettijohn will crack the starting rotation this fall, there’s no doubt that he has put himself in the conversation. In a linebacker room that has been seeking more depth and high-end playmakers, Pettijohn’s emergence is a welcome addition.

The announcement of the stripe removal was made in a now-viral video shared by the official Ohio State football social media channels. In the video, Pettijohn, surrounded by teammates and coaches, stood proudly as the announcement was made. The excitement in the room was palpable, a testament to how much these moments mean not just to the individual player, but to the entire team. As the black stripe was peeled off his helmet, Pettijohn beamed, receiving cheers, applause, and more than a few pats on the back from his fellow Buckeyes. It was a brief but emotional ceremony that encapsulated months of hard work and sacrifice.

Pettijohn’s path to Ohio State was a competitive one. As a high school star at McKinney High School in Texas, he was widely regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects in the country. His combination of sideline-to-sideline speed, physicality, and coverage ability made him a coveted target for nearly every major program in the nation. Ultimately, he chose Ohio State over a host of national powers, citing the school’s tradition of excellence, its linebacker legacy, and the coaching staff’s vision for his development.

That decision now seems like the right one, both for Pettijohn and for Ohio State. The Buckeyes are known for producing top-tier defensive talent, particularly at the linebacker position. Names like Ryan Shazier, Darron Lee, Raekwon McMillan, and Pete Werner are just a few examples of linebackers who have come through the program and gone on to NFL success. Pettijohn is hoping to add his name to that legacy, and his early progress suggests he’s well on his way.

Perhaps what’s most impressive about Pettijohn’s early trajectory is not just his physical tools—though they are considerable—but the mental aspect of his game. Linebackers at Ohio State are expected to do more than just tackle and blitz; they must diagnose plays, communicate calls, and anchor a defense that is one of the most complex in college football. The fact that Pettijohn has already earned the trust of coaches in these areas is a sign of a player far beyond his years in football intelligence. Coaches have praised his ability to anticipate plays and his calm under pressure, two traits that bode well for his future in the program.

Teammates have also taken notice. Senior linebacker and team leader Tommy Eichenberg, when asked about Pettijohn, said, “That kid works. He’s asking questions, he’s learning every rep, and you can just see how badly he wants to be great.” Praise like that from a respected veteran is not given lightly. In fact, for many young players, earning the respect of your teammates is even more meaningful than making a big play in a scrimmage. Pettijohn, it seems, has done both.

While the removal of the black stripe is a major step, it is also just the beginning. Pettijohn knows that the road ahead is still long and filled with challenges. Earning playing time in a program as deep and talented as Ohio State’s is no easy task, especially at linebacker, where competition is fierce and mistakes can be costly. But the early indicators are promising. If Pettijohn continues on his current trajectory, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him carve out a role on special teams initially, before gradually earning defensive snaps as the season progresses.

Looking further ahead, there’s a growing sense among Buckeye insiders that Pettijohn could be a foundational piece of the defense in the years to come. His blend of size, speed, and instincts makes him a perfect fit for the modern college linebacker prototype—capable of defending the run, covering tight ends and running backs, and even dropping into zone coverage when needed. In a Big Ten conference that increasingly values versatility and speed on defense, players like Pettijohn are indispensable.

Of course, with talent and expectation comes pressure. Ohio State fans are famously passionate and have high standards, especially for their defense. But if early impressions are anything to go by, Pettijohn is not only ready for that pressure—he embraces it. His demeanor off the field has been described as quiet but confident. He speaks with humility but carries himself with the assurance of someone who knows he belongs. That’s often the biggest hurdle for freshmen at a powerhouse program: believing that they’re capable of not just surviving, but thriving. Pettijohn appears to have already cleared that hurdle.

As fall camp continues and the season opener draws nearer, all eyes will be on how the depth chart shapes up and whether any true freshmen, Pettijohn included, can push their way into the rotation. Regardless of whether he’s starting, playing situationally, or primarily contributing on special teams, one thing is certain—Riley Pettijohn is no longer just a freshman trying to find his place. He’s a Buckeye, officially and proudly.

The black stripe may have come off in a short moment during practice, but the impact of that moment will resonate throughout Pettijohn’s time at Ohio State. It’s a badge of honor that he’ll carry with him, not physically, but symbolically, as he now moves forward with the full weight of the Buckeye tradition behind him. He has earned his place. He has earned the respect of his coaches and teammates. And perhaps most importantly, he has earned the right to call himself an Ohio State Buckeye.

The journey is only beginning for Riley Pettijohn, but it’s off to one hell of a start.