Joshua Padilla Becomes Second Offensive Lineman from Ohio State’s 2023 Freshman Class to Shed Black Stripe

That norm continued on Monday, as freshman offensive lineman Joshua Padilla joined Brandon Inniss in getting his black stripe removed Monday, meaning he “officially” becomes a Buckeye. 

Welcome the newest member of the Brotherhood & O-Line, @JoshuaPadilla66 pic.twitter.com/DSf7P7PvRs

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 21, 2023

Padilla is the second of Ohio State's four freshman offensive linemen to shed his black stripe this year, with offensive tackle Luke Montgomery being the other.

As an early enrollee, Padilla began his transition to playing center at OSU after primarily playing tackle in high school. He's the seventh offensive lineman in total dating back to spring football to have the stripe removed, joining George Fitzpatrick, Tegra Tshabola, Quinton Burke, Victor Cutler Jr., Josh Simmons and Montgomery.

"We got a tough guy, that keeps his head down, goes to work, doesn't say anything and just grinds," director of player development C.J. Barnett said in the video announcing Padilla's stripe removal.

Padilla was an early enrollee to OSU and was considered a four-star recruit and the 228th overall prospect and 11th-best interior offensive lineman in the 2024 class per 247Sports' composite rankings.

He's the 10th freshman from OSU's 2023 class in total to lose their black stripe, joining Inniss, Montgomery, wide receivers Carnell Tate, Noah Rogers and Bryson Rodgers, tight end Jelani Thurman, safety Malik Hartford, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr.