Ohio State Transfer DB Earl Little Jr. Loses Black Stripe

Little, a former Alabama and Florida State player, is expected to start at nickelback for the Buckeyes this season.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:22pm

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Ohio State football announced that transfer defensive back Earl Little Jr. had his black stripe removed, signaling his official transition to the team. Little is entering his fifth season of college football and is expected to be the Buckeyes' starting nickelback after previously playing at Alabama and Florida State.

Why it matters

The black stripe removal is a tradition at Ohio State, signifying that a new player has been fully integrated into the program. Little's inclusion on the team is important as the Buckeyes look to rebuild their secondary after losing several key starters from last season.

The details

Little started his college career at Alabama in 2022 as a four-star recruit. After two seasons with the Crimson Tide, he transferred to Florida State, where he had a standout 2024 campaign, earning second-team All-ACC honors. In his two years with the Seminoles, Little recorded 91 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles over 853 defensive snaps.

  • Little joined the Ohio State program as a transfer ahead of the 2025 season.
  • He had his black stripe removed on March 25, 2026, during Ohio State's spring practice.

The players

Earl Little Jr.

A fifth-year defensive back who transferred to Ohio State after playing at Alabama and Florida State, and is expected to be the Buckeyes' starting nickelback this season.

Matt Patricia

Ohio State's defensive coordinator, who praised Little's instincts and ability to be around the ball.

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What they’re saying

“'Earl [was] certainly a great player at Florida State. A guy that's always around the ball. I mean, this guy just had an instinct and a knack for being around the ball. I love that ability — that football ability about him.'”

— Matt Patricia, Ohio State Defensive Coordinator

What’s next

Little will continue to work with the Ohio State defense throughout spring practice as he looks to solidify his starting role at nickelback for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The addition of Earl Little Jr. to the Ohio State secondary is an important one, as the Buckeyes look to reload their defensive backfield. Little's experience and playmaking ability from his time at Alabama and Florida State should provide a boost to the Ohio State defense.