Ohio State defensive end Epi Sitanilei loses black stripe

COLUMBUS — Epi Sitanilei was not the typical commitment-day flip of a top-200 prospect for Ohio State.

Normal flips like Sitanilei, from UCLA to the Buckeyes on signing day in December, are met with an online parade of cheers. Not this one. Sitanilei flipped to the Buckeyes just four days after Ohio State fell in an all-time upset to Michigan. So while everyone was — rightfully — focused on the program that seemed to be in disarray, Sitanilei chose Ohio State.

Now he’s on his way to becoming a major playmaker in the future of the Ohio State defense. The freshman defensive end shed his black stripe on Wednesday night after practice, a major step for the Southern California native.

Epi Sitanilei was the No. 195 overall prospect, No. 23 EDGE and No. 18 prospect in California, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.

Sitanilei didn’t arrive on campus at Ohio State until June, but he immediately grabbed some atttention. He was a standout freshman in the first few days of August training camp, which were open to the media. In his limited action against Grambling State, Ohio and Minnesota, he looks the part of a future star on the Ohio State defensive line, too.

Now with the black stripe off, he can begin to build toward becoming a key piece along the Buckeyes defensive line for years to come.

Epi Sitanilei becomes latest Ohio State freshman to shed black stripe

Ohio State has now removed the black stripe from the helmet of 15 members of its 2025 recruiting class.

On offense, it’s quarterback Tavien St. Clair, wide receivers Quincy Porter, Phillip Bell and De’Zie Jones, running backs Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, tight end Nate Roberts and offensive lineman Jake Cook.

On the defensive side of the football, it’s defensive tackle Jarquez Carter, defensive ends Zion Grady and Epi Sitanilei, linebackers Riley Pettijohn and TJ Alford, cornerback Devin Sanchez and safety Faheem Delane.