Ohio State Wide Receiver Bryson Rodgers Becomes Fifth Freshman To Shed Black Stripe

On Tuesday, Bryson Rodgers shed his black stripe during Ohio State's latest practice in fall camp, the team announced via Twitter.

Welcome the newest member of Zone 6, @IBryson13 pic.twitter.com/Cid7EmO6dd

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 15, 2023

Rodgers was a four-star prospect out of Wiregrass Ranch in Zephyrhills, Fla., ranked the No. 49 receiver and No. 357 overall player in the 247Sports composite rankings. While he was the lowest-rated of the four wideout commits for the Buckeyes in the class of 2023, he is the second to lose his black stripe after Carnell Tate had his removed in the spring.

The 6-foot, 175-pound pass catcher has made enough of an impression through the first few weeks of fall camp to “officially” become a Buckeye.

Rodgers was one of two freshmen to have his black stripe removed Tuesday along with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. Together, they are the fifth and sixth players to get their black stripes removed in preseason camp, joining center Victor Cutler Jr., offensive tackle Jimmy Simmons, offensive tackle Luke Montgomery and defensive tackle Tywone Malone.

They are the 15th and 16th overall Buckeyes to have their stripes removed since the start of 2023. They join four other members of their freshman class in receiving the honor so far: Tate, Montgomery, tight end Jelani Thurman and safety Malik Hartford.