Ohio State just added another weapon to its wide receiver arsenal - and this one comes with a built-in connection to the Buckeyes’ new wide receivers coach, Cortez Hankton.
Kyle Parker, a former LSU wideout, has committed to Ohio State via the transfer portal. The move reunites Parker with Hankton, who coached him during his time in Baton Rouge. It also gives the Buckeyes a versatile slot option with Power Five experience and plenty of upside.
Parker, listed at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, caught 31 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns in 2025 as a redshirt sophomore at LSU. He worked primarily out of the slot - a role he’s likely to continue in Columbus - and still has two years of eligibility remaining. While Ohio State returns last season’s starting slot receiver Brandon Inniss, Parker’s experience and production make him a strong contender for reps in a room that’s suddenly been reshaped by offseason movement.
A former four-star recruit out of Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas, Parker was ranked No. 330 nationally and No. 47 among wide receivers in the 2023 recruiting class. He’s currently rated the No. 343 overall player and No. 65 wide receiver in the transfer portal by 247Sports. His Texas roots also tie him to current Buckeye linebacker Payton Pierce - the two were teammates at Lovejoy, with Parker just a year ahead.
Parker becomes the second transfer wide receiver to join Ohio State this offseason, following UTSA’s Devin McCuin. McCuin, known for his speed and smooth route-running, played primarily on the outside for the Roadrunners and could slot into Ohio State’s Z receiver role. With Inniss and Parker both natural slot receivers, McCuin’s fit on the outside makes sense - unless the Buckeyes decide to shift Inniss to the perimeter to get all three on the field.
And don’t forget about incoming five-star freshman Chris Henry Jr., who’s expected to push for immediate playing time. With that kind of talent coming in, the Buckeyes suddenly have a wide receiver room that’s deep, dynamic, and full of options - even after several notable departures.
Ohio State lost five receivers to the portal this offseason - Bryson Rodgers (South Florida), Quincy Porter (Notre Dame), Mylan Graham (Notre Dame), Damarion Witten, and Bodpegn Miller - leaving a clear need for reinforcements. Parker helps address that gap with proven production and familiarity with the coaching staff.
The Buckeyes still have their crown jewel in rising junior Jeremiah Smith, who looks every bit the part of a future WR1 at the next level. Inniss returns as a key contributor, while redshirt freshmen Phillip Bell and De’Zie Jones are expected to compete for bigger roles. The 2026 recruiting class brings in four-stars Jerquaden Guilford and Jaeden Ricketts, as well as three-star Brock Boyd to join Henry in what’s shaping up to be another talented group of young wideouts.
Bottom line: Parker’s arrival gives Ohio State a reliable, experienced piece in the slot and adds another layer of depth to a receiver room that’s reloading on the fly. With Hankton now overseeing the group and several promising options in the mix, the Buckeyes’ passing game has the potential to be as dangerous as ever.