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Southlake Today
By the People, for the People
Two More Buckeyes Earn Their Stripes After Spring Practice
Linebacker Christian Alliegro and wide receiver Brock Boyd lose their black stripes, officially becoming Ohio State Buckeyes.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:20pm
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Ohio State's black stripe tradition continues as two more Buckeyes earn their place on the roster through hard work and dedication during spring practice.Southlake TodayDuring Ohio State's sixth spring practice, two new players - linebacker Christian Alliegro and wide receiver Brock Boyd - had their black stripes removed, signifying they have officially earned their place on the Buckeyes roster. Alliegro is a senior transfer from Wisconsin, while Boyd is a freshman from Southlake, Texas. The black stripe tradition at Ohio State dates back to Urban Meyer's tenure, with each new player having to prove themselves before being considered a full-fledged Buckeye.
Why it matters
The removal of the black stripe is an important milestone for new Ohio State players, as it shows they have integrated with the team and proven themselves worthy of being called Buckeyes. This tradition helps build team culture and camaraderie as the program prepares for the upcoming season.
The details
On Tuesday, Ohio State announced that linebacker Christian Alliegro and wide receiver Brock Boyd had their black stripes removed after the team's sixth spring practice. Alliegro is a senior transfer from Wisconsin, while Boyd is a freshman from Southlake, Texas. The black stripe tradition started under former head coach Urban Meyer and continues under current coach Ryan Day, with new players having to earn the right to have their stripe removed.
- Ohio State held its sixth spring practice on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The players
Christian Alliegro
A senior linebacker who transferred to Ohio State from Wisconsin this offseason. He recorded 124 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks over the past 3 seasons with the Badgers.
Brock Boyd
A freshman wide receiver from Southlake, Texas, who was the lowest-rated of Ohio State's 4 receivers in the 2026 recruiting class, but was still a productive high school player with over 100 receptions and 20 touchdowns as a junior.
What they’re saying
“Shoutout Jesus. Shoutout regs. Shoutout coach (James) Laurinaitis and (Matt) Patricia. Go Buckeyes, baby!”
— Christian Alliegro, Linebacker
“I just want to start off thanking God, thanking my family, all of Zone 6 and the defense for getting me better. Go Bucks!”
— Brock Boyd, Wide Receiver
What’s next
Ohio State will continue spring practice over the next few weeks as the team prepares for the 2026 college football season. The Buckeyes will look to build on their momentum from these early spring sessions.
The takeaway
The removal of the black stripe is an important rite of passage for new Ohio State players, showing they have fully integrated with the team and earned the right to be called Buckeyes. This tradition helps foster a strong team culture as the program gears up for the upcoming season.
