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The Ohio State Buckeyes are losing a big man. Austin Parks, the 6-foot-10, 260-pound center from Saint Mary’s, Ohio, has officially entered the transfer portal after two seasons with the program. His departure raises key questions: Why did he struggle to earn minutes? What’s next for his college basketball career? And how will Ohio State fill the vacancy left behind?
Here’s a closer look at Parks’ time with the Buckeyes, why things didn’t work out in Columbus, and where he might be headed next.
A Tough Road at Ohio State
Parks arrived at Ohio State as part of the 2023 recruiting class, ranked No. 184 nationally and the No. 5 player in Ohio. Despite not being a top-tier recruit, he was pursued by several Big Ten programs, including Michigan State, Indiana, and Illinois, as well as in-state schools like Dayton, Toledo, and Cincinnati.
However, Parks’ time in Columbus never fully took off. Over the 2024-25 season, he appeared in just 15 games, totaling 124 minutes on the court. His numbers were underwhelming:
20 points (1.3 per game)
13 rebounds (0.9 per game)
5 assists
1 block
19 personal fouls
His best game came on December 7, 2024, in an 80-66 win over Rutgers, where he scored six points on 3-of-4 shooting and grabbed four rebounds. Head coach Jake Diebler called it “his best game in an Ohio State uniform.” But after that, Parks struggled to find consistent playing time.
Why Wasn’t He on the Floor More?
Parks entered the season battling Ivan Njegovan for the third-string center spot. Initially, Njegovan had the upper hand, but Parks saw more opportunities in December. However, when Big Ten play ramped up, his minutes plummeted. He played in just five of Ohio State’s final 18 games.
The main reason? Diebler preferred a frontcourt rotation of Aaron Bradshaw and Sean Stewart at center. When those two weren’t available, the Buckeyes often went with a smaller lineup rather than turning to Parks.
Diebler noted that Parks needed to be more consistent to earn more playing time, particularly on defense. But with limited opportunities, Parks struggled to showcase improvement.
Why Is He Transferring?
It’s clear that playing time is the driving factor behind Parks’ decision. Even in a season where Ohio State needed reliable frontcourt production, he only averaged eight minutes per game. That’s not enough for a player looking to develop and make an impact at the college level.
Now, he’ll look for a fresh start, and several programs could be in play. Coming out of high school, he was recruited by Michigan State, Indiana, Illinois, Dayton, Toledo, and Cincinnati. DePaul could also be a potential landing spot, given that former Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann—who recruited Parks—now leads that program.
What’s Next for Ohio State?
With Parks leaving, Ohio State now has an open roster spot for the 2025-26 season. The NCAA’s new rule eliminates scholarship limits but enforces a 15-player roster cap, meaning the Buckeyes have room to add another player if they choose.
Will they look to the transfer portal for a big man? Or will they roll with the current roster and prioritize other positions? That remains to be seen.
A Second Chance for Parks
For Austin Parks, this transfer represents an opportunity to find a program where he can truly contribute. Whether he stays in the Big Ten or takes his talents elsewhere, his journey is far from over.
Wherever he ends up, one thing is certain—he’ll be looking to prove that he deserved more than a bench role at Ohio State. Stay tuned as his next chapter unfolds!
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