After a season as the starting quarterback for Ohio State, Kyle McCord opts to transfer to Syracuse.
According to ESPN, Kyle McCord, a former quarterback at Ohio State, has confirmed his commitment to Syracuse, citing the impressive talent that new coach Fran Brown is assembling. McCord, who boasts a remarkable record of 11-1 as a starter this season and an impressive 12-1 over his three-year tenure at Ohio State, left the institution as one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the transfer portal. Concluding the season with 24 touchdown passes, six interceptions, and a 65.8% completion rate, McCord is an immediate asset for Syracuse, providing Coach Brown with a foundational player to build around in his inaugural season.
Remarkably, McCord’s commitment to Syracuse is considered a significant acquisition, as he is the highest-ranked player (No. 31 in the Class of 2021 rankings) to choose the Orange since ESPN began recording recruiting rankings in 2006, as per ESPN Stats & Information.
McCord’s decision to join Syracuse is not merely based on football prowess; it is deeply rooted in personal connections. Hailing from New Jersey, he shares a decade-long history with both Coach Brown and quarterbacks coach Nunzio Campanile. Additionally, he has strong ties to the expected offensive coordinator hire, Jeff Nixon, currently serving as the New York Giants’ running backs coach.
Speaking to ESPN, McCord emphasized the importance of the coaching staff’s experience and the appeal of being surrounded by talented players. Expressing faith in Coach Brown’s vision, McCord commended Syracuse’s recent efforts in the transfer portal to enhance team talent, noting that all the pieces seem to be falling into place at the right time.
With aspirations of preparing for the NFL, McCord acknowledged that having only one year of eligibility left influenced his decision-making process. He sought a program where he could make an immediate impact and recognized the potential for success at Syracuse, particularly under the guidance of Jeff Nixon, whose extensive NFL experience and offensive strategies appealed to the aspiring quarterback.
McCord’s inclusion in the transfer portal marked one of the surprises of the college football offseason, given his impressive record at Ohio State. Grateful for the experience gained with the Buckeyes, McCord sees his time there as invaluable, especially having started a full season and participated in significant games. The familiarity with Syracuse’s roster, including connections with players from his home state of New Jersey, further contributed to McCord’s decision, creating a sense that everything is aligning perfectly for him at Syracuse.
