Parker Lewis is returning to his home state.
The former Ohio State kicker announced Saturday that he will transfer to Arizona State after two seasons with the Buckeyes.
Coming home #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/dMtIeeHIaN
— Parker Lewis (@ParkerLewi) January 6, 2024
Lewis transferred to Ohio State in 2022 with his sights set on earning a kicking job with the Buckeyes, but that opportunity never materialized. While Lewis appeared likely to be Ohio State’s kickoff specialist when he transferred in that year, Jayden Fielding ended up handling kickoff duties all season when Lewis was not cleared for the start of the season due to an eligibility issue with his transfer from USC. Fielding beat out Lewis for the field goal kicking job this past season following the departure of Noah Ruggles.
Lewis, who brings two years of eligibility to Arizona State, was complimentary of Ohio State in an interview with Sports360AZ following his commitment to Arizona State.
”I’ve changed a whole lot physically. I’ve gotten more mature,” Lewis said. “That was one amazing thing about Ohio State. You’re not going to find a team that’s more disciplined and bought into that culture ... I’m looking forward to bringing that leadership to Tempe where I want to have the best (special teams) room in the country.”
Former Buckeyes who have transferred to new teams for the 2024 season include quarterback Kyle McCord (Syracuse), running backs Evan Pryor (Cincinnati) and Chip Trayanum (Kentucky), wide receivers Julian Fleming (Penn State) and Noah Rogers (N.C. State), centers Victor Cutler Jr. (Louisville) and Jakob James (Toledo), defensive end Omari Abor (SMU), linebacker Reid Carrico (West Virginia), cornerbacks Jyaire Brown (LSU) and Ryan Turner (Boston College), safeties Kye Stokes (Cincinnati) and Cameron Martinez (Boston College) and punter Jesse Mirco (Vanderbilt).
Three former Ohio State players remain in the portal: wide receiver Bryson Rodgers, defensive tackle Jaden McKenzie and tight end Joe Royer.
