Freshman Safety Jaylen McClain Becomes First Buckeye to Shed Black Stripe in Fall Camp

On Wednesday, McClain became Ohio State's first player to shed his black stripe in this year’s preseason training, building off a strong spring.

The kid from Jersey has been applying pressure, welcome to BIA @Jaylenmcclain08 pic.twitter.com/rezM94SxNC

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 7, 2024

The above clip shows McClain making an interception against the Buckeyes' offense, and he was among the standouts in Ohio State's safety rotation during the first four practices open to the media.

That comes on the heels of an eye-catching spring game from McClain, where he intercepted fellow freshman Julian Sayin. With Lathan Ransom limited in the spring, McClain worked in with Ohio State's second defensive unit at safety and played well enough to contend for a backup spot on the depth chart entering fall, with Ransom and Caleb Downs occupying the team's starting roles.

Jaylen McClain picks off fellow freshman Julian Sayin in the spring game. pic.twitter.com/04OHiSVXBB

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 13, 2024

McClain, the No. 373 player and No. 36 safety in the 247Sports composite, is the third Ohio State freshman to have his black stripe removed despite being the 13th-highest-rated of the Buckeyes' class of 2024 signees. He joins five-star prospects Jeremiah Smith and Sayin as the first three “official” Buckeyes from that class.