Kyle McCord transfers to Syracuse after starting at Ohio State this season

Former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord has transferred to Syracuse, he announced on social media Sunday.

McCord was one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal this cycle. He surprised everyone with his decision to enter the portal after starting all 12 games for the Buckeyes in the 2023 regular season. He completed 65.8 percent of his passes and tallied 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.

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— Kyle McCord (@kylemccord16) December 17, 2023

After sitting behind C.J. Stroud for two years, McCord beat out Devin Brown for the job in preseason camp and helped Ohio State to an 11-1 record. A five-star recruit, McCord signed with Ohio State in the Class of 2021 out of Philadelphia’s St. Joseph’s Prep and has one year of eligibility remaining.

Last week, Brown said he will start for the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri.

Why McCord chose Syracuse

After McCord transferred from Ohio State, it seemed like he was destined to land at Nebraska, but the New Jersey native is going back to the East Coast to play for Syracuse. For McCord, it’s a chance to get closer to home, but also a guarantee he will start in his final year of eligibility.

For Syracuse, this is the perfect start under new coach Fran Brown. Syracuse is replacing Garrett Shrader, who finished last season with 1,686 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. McCord is an immediate upgrade to the quarterback room for the Orange and he gets a guarantee he’ll start and a chance to put a successful season with Ohio State in the rearview mirror. — Cameron Teague Robinson, Ohio State staff writer

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(Photo: Joseph Maiorana / USA Today)