Ohio State transfer defensive end Qua Russaw lost his black stripe on Thursday, the program announced.
Russaw, a transfer from Alabama this season, is looking to make an impact with the Buckeyes on a defense that could use some pass-rushing help.
A year ago, he played in nine games and had 13 tackles with one sack.
The Buckeyes started a tradition during the Urban Meyer era in which newcomers got a black stripe added to their helmet. When a player is officially deemed a Buckeye, it’s removed. Thursday was Russaw’s turn.
The veteran defensive end, who is a redshirt junior, transferred along with defensive tackle James Smith.
Along with Russaw, the defensive end room now has Kenyatta Jackson, Beau Atkinson, Zion Grady and Epi Sitanelei as returning players. Faced with replacing Arvell Reese as an edge rusher, along with Caden Curry, it will certainly be a tall task.
Russaw’s development would go a long way in mitigating those concerns.
