The Ohio State freshman class is already making an impact as defensive end Khary Wilder and quarterback Luke Fahey both shed their black stripe on Saturday. 

The Buckeyes’ freshman class is off to a great start as the first full week of fall camp comes to an end, including two who shed their black stripes following Saturday’s scrimmage. 

Defensive Lineman Khary Wilder

Khary Wilder was one of two Ohio State freshmen to lose their black stripe on Saturday. He joins Chris Henry Jr, Jay Timmons, Brock Boyd, and Luke Fahey as members of the freshman class to lose their black stripes. The California native is now officially a Buckeye.

Coaches are seeing Khary Wilder making tremendous strides in his game as he looks to make an impact this season. A former four-star recruit, Wilder had a dominant career for Junipero Serra out of California and started all four years of high school, recording 281 career tackles, 51 tackles for loss, and 29 sacks.

Wilder has stood out in practice and could be in for a huge season as the Buckeyes look for depth on the defensive line. The lost production of Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Kayden McDonald pressuring the quarterback is one of the biggest questions for Matt Patricia’s defense. 

The defensive line is led by Kenyatta Jackson, and likely Beau Atkinson on the outside, with Eddrick Houston expected to take a leap inside. Alabama transfer James Smith will help plug the middle, while the other former member of the Crimson Tide, Qua Russaw, will contribute as a stand-up edge in pass rush situations. 

Adding his name to the mix allows Wilder to create more opportunities for himself to make an impact, and he is a name we’re watching as a potential young breakout candidate midway through the season. 

Quarterback Luke Fahey

Moreover, Khary Wilder was not the only true freshman to lose his black stripe yesterday, as quarterback Luke Fahey shed his as well.

Also a California native, Luke Fahey had a dominant career at Mission Viejo, passing for over 7,000 yards, 68 touchdowns, and a 78% completion percentage. A three-star recruit, Fahey ranked as the No. 38 quarterback in his recruiting class. Fahey chose the Buckeyes in July of last year over Indiana and Stanford. Fahey is the third fastest true freshman quarterback to lose his black stripe under Ryan Day.

Luke Fahey is putting pressure on Tavien St. Clair as the season approaches. How much of that is Luke Fahey stepping up, and how much is due to Tavien St. Clair not performing, was left unclear. However, St. Clair has all the physical traits to play quarterback and should be locked in as the Buckeyes’ backup. 

Despite that, Fahey’s recognition for elevated and consistent play is an encouraging sign for the future of Ohio State’s quarterback room. Depth has been a mainstay in conversations from the coaching staff over the last two weeks, and Fahey shedding his black stripe is another example of that. 

Ryan Day spoke to the media on Saturday about the battle between the two quarterbacks: “He’s putting a lot of pressure on Tavien. He really is.” St. Clair and Fahey have been competing throughout camp, and both received reps in the Spring Game.

St. Clair completed 9 out of 21 passes for one touchdown. Luke Fahey came in and threw 3 completions on 8 attempts for 26 yards and one touchdown. As the season inches closer, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. For now, all signs still point to St. Clair.