Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord, who had been the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes throughout the season, shocked fans and analysts alike when he entered his name into the transfer portal on Monday morning. This unexpected move by McCord has left many wondering about the reasons behind his decision and what it means for the future of Ohio State football.
McCord, who had been recruited by coach Ryan Day, joined Ohio State as ESPN’s No. 31 prospect in the 2021 class. After two years of waiting behind C.J. Stroud, now the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback, McCord finally got his chance this season. He won the starting job early on, beating out Devin Brown in a competition. Throughout the season, McCord showed promise, throwing for 3,170 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also had a completion rate of 65.8%.
While McCord had some standout performances, with three games where he surpassed 300 passing yards, he also had his fair share of struggles. In two games, he threw two interceptions, including the regular-season finale against Michigan, which ended in a 30-24 loss for Ohio State. This loss ultimately cost the team a College Football Playoff spot for the second time in three years.
Despite the setbacks, coach Ryan Day acknowledged McCord’s growth throughout the season. He praised his toughness, particularly in overcoming ankle injuries, and highlighted his strong performance in the Notre Dame game. However, Day remained noncommittal about McCord’s status as the team’s starter when asked about it on Sunday. He emphasized the need for evaluation and reflection after falling short of their goals.
The timing of McCord’s decision is particularly interesting, considering Ohio State’s recent selection to play in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic against Missouri on December 29th. With McCord’s departure, the Buckeyes will have to reassess their quarterback situation and determine who will lead the team in this crucial postseason matchup.
In addition to McCord, Ohio State had several other players enter the transfer portal as the window opened on Monday. Running back Evan Pryor, ESPN’s No. 128 recruit in 2021, was among those who made the decision to explore other opportunities. These additional departures further complicate the team’s offseason plans and leave holes to fill in their roster.
The departure of Kyle McCord raises questions about the direction of Ohio State football. With a promising young quarterback choosing to leave, the Buckeyes will need to find a suitable replacement and develop their next leader on the field. As the offseason progresses and the team evaluates their options, it remains to be seen how they will bounce back from this unexpected setback and continue their tradition of excellence in college football.
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