Ohio State Freshman Defensive End Joshua Mickens Sheds Black Stripe

On Wednesday, the 6-foot-5, 236-pound defensive end became the 15th Ohio State freshman to shed his black stripe with the Buckeyes. He is also the first Ohio State player to earn the rite of passage since quarterback Lincoln Kienholz and defensive lineman Jason Moore added scarlet to their helmets on Sept. 28.

Newest member of the Rushmen, @JoshuaMickens7 pic.twitter.com/fDO7c0K8i8

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 11, 2023

Mickens was the No. 144 overall prospect and No. 19 edge rusher in the class of 2023. He committed to and signed with Ohio State on Early Signing Day, Dec. 21, 2022, which closed out the Buckeyes' 2023 class – that is, until Ohio State landed a commitment from linebacker Nigel Glover, who transferred to the Buckeyes in August from Northwestern.

A native of Indianapolis, Mickens was a standout for Lawrence Central High School. As a senior, he collected 74 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He was named the top defensive lineman in the state by the Indiana Football Coaches Association and also received All-Indiana First Team honors for his efforts. The year before, in 2021, Mickens recorded 23 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, five quarterback hurries and five forced fumbles in 11 games.

In addition to his talent on the football field, Mickens was a star basketball player for Lawrence Central. In his final season, he averaged 13 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

At Ohio State, Mickens has spent his freshman year developing behind fellow defensive ends JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Caden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson and Mitchell Melton, among others. After five games, Mickens has not appeared in a game for the Buckeyes.