Ohio State's Kyle Parker Honors Late LSU Teammate

New Buckeyes wide receiver aims to 'bring light' through his play and community work.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:26pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a college football player in motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the team's colors, conveying a sense of energy and determination.A new Buckeye's dedication to honoring his fallen teammate inspires the Ohio State community.Columbus Today

Kyle Parker, a transfer wide receiver from LSU, has joined the Ohio State Buckeyes football team and is playing this season in memory of his former LSU teammate Kyren Lacy, who tragically passed away last year. Parker is determined to honor Lacy's legacy by making a positive impact both on the field and in the Columbus community.

Why it matters

Parker's story highlights the deep bonds between college teammates and the resilience of student-athletes who face unimaginable loss. His commitment to honoring Lacy's memory through his play and community service also underscores the important role that sports can play in bringing people together and inspiring positive change.

The details

After a standout career at LSU, Parker decided to transfer to Ohio State for his final year of eligibility. He has dedicated this season to his former teammate Kyren Lacy, who passed away in a car accident last year at the age of 21. Parker says he wants to 'bring light to everybody' through his performance on the field and his work in the Columbus community, including volunteering and speaking to local youth.

  • Parker joined the Ohio State Buckeyes in January 2026 as a graduate transfer.
  • Kyren Lacy, Parker's former LSU teammate, tragically passed away in a car accident in June 2025.

The players

Kyle Parker

A wide receiver who transferred from LSU to Ohio State for his final year of college eligibility, and is playing this season in memory of his former teammate Kyren Lacy.

Kyren Lacy

Parker's former teammate at LSU, who passed away in a car accident in 2025 at the age of 21.

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What they’re saying

“I want to bring light to everybody, on the field and off. That's what Kyren would have wanted, and that's what I'm going to do.”

— Kyle Parker, Ohio State Wide Receiver

What’s next

Parker will make his Ohio State debut in the team's season opener against Notre Dame on September 5, 2026.

The takeaway

Through his play and community work, Kyle Parker is honoring the memory of his late LSU teammate Kyren Lacy and using the platform of college football to inspire and uplift others, embodying the power of sports to bring people together and create positive change.