Image source: AP Photo/Matthew Hinton
Ohio State didn’t wait long to turn the page after Brian Hartline’s exit to USF. The Buckeyes quickly handed their powerhouse receiver unit to Cortez Hankton, and the early returns are already making noise across the SEC and Big Ten. One of Hankton’s first major moves involves convincing one of the most sought-after receivers in the NCAA transfer portal to come to Columbus — and Auburn fans are not loving the development.
Former LSU wideout Kyle Parker has quietly become one of the hottest names available this cycle. Multiple programs have shown interest, but Ohio State appears to be gaining momentum at the perfect time thanks to Hankton’s full-court press. Several reports note that Auburn, Ole Miss, Kentucky and LSU have all checked in on Parker, but the Buckeyes’ staff has applied major pressure — the kind that only a national brand with a history of elite wide receiver production can offer.
Parker’s appeal is easy to understand. Coming off a strong 2025 season at LSU, he finished with 31 catches for 330 yards and four touchdowns, a breakout campaign that put his name firmly on the radar of contenders in both the SEC and Big Ten. According to multiple outlets, Auburn head coach Alex Golesh has been especially aggressive after losing stars Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, and Eric Singleton from the Tigers’ wide receiver room. For a team trying to give quarterback Byrum Brown more weapons, Parker checks every box.
Even after adding five USF receivers, Auburn still wants a headliner — and many around the SEC believed Parker could be that guy. But the dynamic has shifted into what insiders describe as a “two-team race,” with Ohio State now firmly in the mix.
For Hankton, the pitch is simple: Ohio State’s once-loaded receiver group has thinned out. The Buckeyes watched Carnell Tate head to the NFL, and lost Mylan Graham, Bryson Rodgers, Quincy Porter, and freshman Bodpegn Miller to the transfer portal. The opportunity for immediate snaps and leadership is real, and that matters for a player who has battled adversity. Parker missed time due to a ruptured triceps in 2024 and redshirted as a true freshman, yet continued to grind into a productive SEC playmaker.
Meanwhile, Ohio State has been reshaping its roster beyond just receivers. After losing a record 33 players to the portal, the Buckeyes attacked the offseason with one of the most aggressive transfer hauls in the country.
The defensive front received a major boost from former Alabama five-star James Smith, who is expected to compete alongside Will Smith Jr. and Eddrick Houston. In the secondary, Ohio State landed a potential safety duo in Terry Moore (Duke) and Earl Little Jr. (Florida State), stabilizing a unit that lost Caleb Downs to the NFL. On offense, former Alabama edge Qua Russaw adds depth, and seventh-year tight end Hunter Welcing arrives from Northwestern to fill holes left by Max Klare and Jelani Thurman.
If Ohio State ultimately closes on Parker before Friday’s portal deadline, the Buckeyes’ overhaul will look even stronger. They may have lost plenty this offseason, but headed into 2026, they’re starting to resemble a team ready for another major run — and Auburn may end up being the first program to feel the effects.
FAQ:
Who is Cortez Hankton?
Cortez Hankton is the new wide receivers coach at Ohio State. He replaced Brian Hartline, who took a job at USF, and is already active in recruiting through the transfer portal.
Who is Kyle Parker?
Kyle Parker is a former LSU wide receiver who entered the NCAA transfer portal. He became one of the most sought-after receivers after posting 31 receptions, 330 yards, and four touchdowns during the 2025 season.
Which schools are interested in Kyle Parker?
According to multiple reports, Auburn, Ole Miss, Kentucky, LSU, and Ohio State have all shown interest in Parker. Ohio State and Auburn are currently considered the leading contenders.
Also Read: Notre Dame Adds Kicker Amid Drama, Reworks Transfer Plan
