Wide Receiver Bryson Rodgers, Cornerback Jermaine Mathews, Jr. Latest Buckeye Freshmen To Lose Black Stripes

COLUMBUS — Ohio State freshman wide receiver Bryson Rodgers became the latest Buckeye to lose his black stripe. Following the OSU’s practice on Tuesday, it was announced that Rodgers was officially being welcomed into the fold as Buckeye by having the black stripe on his helmet removed.

All Ohio State newcomers have a black stripe placed down the middle of their helmets until they do enough in practice to show that they belong. Tuesday’s practice was the tenth of fall camp, and it will now be a memorable one for Rodgers.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound rookie out of Zephyhills, Florida was an early enrollee for the Buckeyes, meaning he has been through winter workouts, spring ball, and summer conditioning prior to fall camp. Every step of the way, he has done what the coaches have asked from him, which clearly hasn’t gone unnoticed by his coaches.

Rodgers has worked in the slot and outside for Ohio State, showcasing his versatility throughout. He is now the second of four OSU freshman receivers to have his black stripe removed. Carnell Tate was the first, which happened back in the spring.

Following Rodgers’ stripe removal, it was Jermaine Mathews, Jr.’s turn. Mathews was also an early enrollee who came to Ohio State with the reputation as a playmaker. He was given a baptism by fire in the spring, going against the best receiver room in the nation. He has continued to impress and improve.

Mathews came to Ohio State from Winton Woods High School in Cincinnati, where he was the Division II Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Early in the spring, the Buckeye coaches spoke highly of Mathews’ game. The depth chart will be tough for him to break through this season, but Mathews could be in line for a sizable role in 2023.

Black Stripe Tracker

OT Tegra Tshabola (redshirt freshman) – March 23
OT George Fitzpatrick (redshirt freshman) – March 23
CB Davison Igbinosun (sophomore transfer) – March 25
WR Carnell Tate – March 25
QB Tristan Gebbia (graduate) – April 1
OL Quinton Burke (senior walk-on) – April 1
TE Jelani Thurman – April 7
S Malik Hartford – April 7
RB Chase Brecht (sophomore walk-on) – April 7
QB Chad Ray (senior walk-on) – April 12
OL Vic Cutler (graduate) – August 10
OL Jimmy Simmons (redshirt sophomore) – August 10
OL Luke Montgomery – August 12
DT Tywone Malone (redshirt sophomore transfer) – August 12
WR Bryson Rodgers – August 15
CB Jermaine Mathews, Jr. – August 15

Freshmen Still Waiting

QB Lincoln Kienholz | WR Noah Rogers | WR Brandon Inniss | OT Miles Walker | OG Austin Siereveld | OC Josh Padilla | DE Joshua Mickens | DL Jason Moore | DT Will Smith, Jr. | DT Kayden McDonald | LB Arvell Reese | LB Nigel Glover | CB Calvin Simpson-Hunt | SAF Cedrick Hawkins | SAF Jayden Bonsu

Transfers Still Waiting

CB Lorenzo Styles, Jr. | SAF Ja’Had Carter | LS John Ferlmann

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