Ohio State Buckeyes: Bolster WR Room, Land SEC Slot Receiver

The Ohio State Buckeyes could use additional talent and depth in the wide receiver room after losing second-leading receiver Carnell Tate to the 2026 NFL Draft, along with five receivers who entered the transfer portal. Outside of Jeremiah Smith, the current receiver room is filled with young and inexperienced players who have high upside and are expected to have an immediate impact. Ohio State’s second-leading returning receiver, Brandon Inniss, has only 505 career receiving yards across three seasons, which is far from ideal.

Ohio State Buckeyes bolster WR room, land SEC slot receiver

According to Hayes Fawcett of On3, Ohio State has landed a commitment from former LSU wide receiver Kyle Parker from the transfer portal. Since he redshirted in 2023, suffered a torn triceps, and appeared in fewer than six games in 2024 while taking a medical redshirt, he will have three years of eligibility remaining rather than just two. Parker may compete with Brandon Inniss for the starting slot receiver position this offseason.

BREAKING: LSU transfer WR Kyle Parker has Committed to Ohio State, he tells @On3

The 5’11 195 WR totaled 31 catches for 330 yards and 4 TD this season

He’ll have 3 years of eligibility lefthttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/ALeaYz2bSU

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 16, 2026

Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign

Kyle Parker had a solid 2025 campaign, finishing fifth on the team in receptions and receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns despite inferior quarterback play and injuries holding the offense back. He hauled in 31 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns across 13 games. Parker also totaled two contested catches on four opportunities, three drops for an 8.8% drop rate, and a strong 112.9 passer rating when targeted, while lining up in the slot 73.6% of the time, per PFF. 

ICYMI: Ohio State also landed a solid AAC receiver

Ohio State also landed former UTSA standout receiver Devin McCuin last week with one final year of eligibility. He enjoyed a strong three-year stint with the Roadrunners, hauling in 152 receptions for 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns across 32 games. McCuin had a career year in 2025, setting career highs in receiving with 65 receptions for 726 yards and eight scores through the air across 12 games, earning Third-Team All-AAC honors.