Two Buckeyes Lose Black Stripes After Ohio State's Student Appreciation Day

Transfers Devin McCuin and James Smith officially join the team.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Ohio State held its annual student appreciation day practice, where two recent transfer additions, wide receiver Devin McCuin and defensive lineman James Smith, had their black stripes removed, officially making them Buckeyes. McCuin transferred from UTSA, while Smith came from Alabama.

Why it matters

The black stripe tradition at Ohio State is an important rite of passage for new players, signifying they have earned the right to be called a Buckeye. The removal of the black stripe shows these two transfers have proven themselves and are now fully integrated into the team.

The details

McCuin, a former three-star recruit, spent the last three seasons at UTSA, catching 152 passes for 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns. Smith was a high four-star prospect from Alabama, where he recorded 50 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery over three seasons.

  • Ohio State held its student appreciation day practice on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • McCuin and Smith had their black stripes removed following the practice.

The players

Devin McCuin

A wide receiver who transferred to Ohio State from UTSA, where he caught 152 passes for 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns over the last three seasons.

James Smith

A defensive lineman who transferred to Ohio State from Alabama, where he recorded 50 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery over three seasons.

C.J. Barnett

Scarlet and Gray director of player development who announced the black stripe removals for McCuin and Smith.

Ryan Day

Ohio State's head football coach who continued the black stripe tradition started by Urban Meyer.

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What they’re saying

“We've got a black stripe alert. Aye, this guy's like Flash on the football field and a quarterback's best friend because he's always open. The newest member of Zone 6, Devin McCuin.”

— C.J. Barnett, Scarlet and Gray director of player development

“Aye, man, first I want to thank God, man. I appreciate coach Day, coach Hankton for taking a chance on me, man. Appreciate Zone 6, BIA for making me better every day. Aye, man, go Bucks!”

— Devin McCuin

“We've got another black stripe alert. Aye, this guy brings toughness and attitude to the defense. He's a run-stopper and quarterback-sacker. The newest member of the Rushmen, James Smith.”

— C.J. Barnett, Scarlet and Gray director of player development

“Aye, man, I'm blessed to be here, man. Thanks coaches and all them. Coach Day, coach Mick, coach Patricia, everybody, CJ, for just taking me in and under y'all wing and try to show me a better way. Aye man, go Buckeyes!”

— James Smith

The takeaway

The black stripe removal for McCuin and Smith highlights Ohio State's successful integration of its transfer class this offseason, as the Buckeyes look to build on their strong spring practices ahead of the 2026 season.