what are the stickers on ohio state helmets

The stickers on Ohio State football helmets are buckeye stickers, which represent the leaves of the buckeye tree, a species of tree native to North America. The tradition of awarding players helmet stickers resembling buckeye leaves began in 1968 when Ohio States trainer, Ernie Biggs, thought of the idea to award players with helmet stickers for exceptional play. Each player receives a sticker for a win, two stickers for a win in a conference game, and three stickers for a win over Michigan. Players also get stickers for individual performance or unit achievements, such as linebackers or the defense racking up at least five three-and-outs. The stickers are added in a pyramid formation, with stems pointed down and slanted slightly forward to match the contours of the helmet, and equipment managers take special care to avoid completely covering flex points and vents with decals.