Two more freshman Buckeyes became “official” members of the team on Wednesday when defensive end Epi Sitanilei and running back Isaiah West shed their black stripes after Wednesday’s practice.
Both Sitanilei and West have made it into games for the Buckeyes this season late in blowout wins.
Sitanlilei has made one tackle (1/2 for loss) — which came againt Illinois on Oct. 11 — and recovered a fumble in four contests. West is fourth in rushes for OSU running backs, getting 12 chances this season and going for 49 yards and a touchdown. He most recently made it in late against the Fighting Illini and has been in three games total.
West joins Bo Jackson as the freshman running backs to have their black stripes removed. Anthony Rogers, who was not an early enrollee for the Buckeyes, is the only onr remaining.
Sitanilei joins freshman defensive end Zion Grady in getting his black stripe removed.
They are the 26th and 27th players to have their black stripe removed in 2025 and the 14th and 15th freshmen to do so.
