Kyle McCord describes crazy ride that was his transfer from Ohio State to Syracuse following 2023 Michigan loss
Rarely does a transfer decision work out as well for both parties as Kyle McCord's move from Ohio State to Syracuse. While the Buckeyes sought out more playmaking from the quarterback position than what McCord could provide, McCord sought other pastures that suited his talent level a little more. Syracuse helped McCord become the nation's […]
Rarely does a transfer decision work out as well for both parties as Kyle McCord's move from Ohio State to Syracuse. While the Buckeyes sought out more playmaking from the quarterback position than what McCord could provide, McCord sought other pastures that suited his talent level a little more.
Syracuse helped McCord become the nation's leading passer with a huge workload that maximized his pocket-centric style. Getting to Syracuse wasn't a priority for McCord, who opened up on the process at the 2025 NFL Combine.
"After the loss to Michigan, it wasn't on my radar at all. It transpired quickly over Conference Championship weekend. I know most guys get in the portal and know where they're going to school, but that wasn't the case for me. I got in and had no clue where I'd end up. I put my name in the portal at midnight on that Monday, and Coach Fran was in my living room that next day. The turnaround was pretty quick, and it was like high school recruiting on steroids."
There was a near-season-long discussion among Ohio State fans about whether the Buckeyes should've retained McCord or made the right choice by pivoting to Will Howard. Howard was excellent, but he was only asked to be a game manager until the Oregon game and then the College Football Playoff.
Meanwhile, McCord emerged as an early-season Heisman candidate. He totaled 391 completions on 592 attempts for 4,779 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. All but his touchdown mark led the nation.
Obviously, by the end of the Playoff, it was clear the Buckeyes and McCord made the right choice to go their separate ways. McCord had the option to return to Ohio State despite some of his shots back at the program after he left, but he opted against entering a competition with the Buckeyes' eventual veteran addition.
