The transfer portal window officially closed on Friday, but that doesn’t mean the movement has stopped. Players already in the portal are still finding new homes, and Ohio State just added another name to its roster. Former LSU wide receiver Kyle Parker has committed to the Buckeyes, giving Ryan Day’s offense another intriguing piece to work with heading into 2026.
Now, this isn’t the kind of splashy addition that’s going to set off fireworks across Buckeye Nation, but let’s not overlook what Parker brings to the table. At LSU, he hauled in 31 catches for 330 yards and four touchdowns - solid production, especially considering the depth of talent in the SEC and the Tigers’ loaded receiver room. Parker operated primarily out of the slot, which is where things get interesting for Ohio State.
Last season, that slot role belonged to Brandon Inniss, a former blue-chip recruit who showed flashes of becoming a go-to guy in the Buckeyes’ passing game. With Parker now in the mix, the coaching staff faces a decision: keep Inniss inside or slide him to the outside to open the door for Parker?
That answer may hinge on how quickly 5-star freshman Chris Henry Jr. acclimates to the college game. If Henry proves ready to contribute early - and that’s a big if, given the learning curve - Inniss might stay put, and Parker becomes a valuable depth piece in an already stacked receiver room.
Either way, Parker gives Ohio State options. He’s a former 4-star recruit out of Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas - the same program that produced current OSU linebacker Payton Pierce - and was ranked as the No. 47 wide receiver in the 2023 class.
According to 247Sports, he’s the No. 68 receiver available in the transfer portal. That’s not elite-tier status, but it’s enough to suggest he can contribute in the right system.
And make no mistake: Ohio State’s system is built for receivers to shine. With the Buckeyes continuing to reload rather than rebuild, Parker steps into a situation where he won’t be asked to carry the load but can carve out a role if he earns it. Whether that’s as a rotational slot guy, a reliable target on third downs, or a spark plug in certain packages, his experience in the SEC should serve him well in Columbus.
As for the bigger picture, Ohio State isn’t done in the portal just yet. The staff is still working to fine-tune the roster, and while we’re not expecting a massive influx of new faces, don’t be surprised if a few more names trickle in before spring ball. The Buckeyes are in the business of competing for championships, and every roster spot counts.
For now, Kyle Parker adds another layer to an already deep and talented wide receiver group. Whether he cracks the rotation or serves as a key depth piece, he’s another weapon in the arsenal - and in today’s college football, you can never have too many of those.