Palaie Gaoteote, OSU Linebacker, Has had his Black Stripe Removed

Palaie Gaoteote IV is a transfer from the University of Southern California that ended up in Columbus Ohio to fill a need the Buckeyes have at linebacker in 2021.

Gaoteote, a five-star prospect from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, switched from USC to Ohio State this off-season and started working out with the team while awaiting NCAA eligibility approval.

Since joining the program in June, Gaoteote had been practicing with the Buckeyes. According to at least one recruiting agency, he was rated as one of the top overall prospects in the country for the Class of 2017.

The NCAA has cleared Gaoteote to play.

Gaoteote expressed his dissatisfaction with the length of time it took for him to learn of his candidacy. "I'm simply relieved it's finished." He said when finding out their final decision.

Gaoteote will have three years of eligibility remaining, according to the NCAA now that they have approved his immediate eligible status.

Palaie Gaoteote Was a Standout High School Athlete

His most recent season at Bishop Gorman was his greatest, both in terms of statistics and all-state honors. He finished with 77 tackles, 12 for losses, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. In 2015, his contributions helped Bishop Gorman to a 15-0 record win the Nevada Division I state championship.

First Ohio State announced Wednesday that the NCAA denied Gaoteote’s request and that he would not be eligible to play for the Buckeyes this season. Then, after a long couple of days, including head coach Ryan Day saying his request was denied on Thursday, Gaoteote was ruled eligible on Friday and played in the loss to the Oregon Ducks.

Palaie Gaoteote stripped of the Black Stripe.

On Friday, Gaoteote was cleared to play by the NCAA and one day later, on Saturday, he made his Ohio State debut against Oregon in the Horseshoe. That was then followed by the transfer losing his black stripe in practice this week. Palaie Gaoteote is now "officially" an OSU Buckeye. Losing his Black Stripe means that he will not red-shirt but be an active part of the 2021 team.