Kyle McCord Reveals Motives for Transferring to Syracuse

Former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord officially has a new home. The ex-Buckeyes starting quarterback announced his commitment to transfer to the Syracuse Orange on Sunday weeks after he shocked the college football world by entering the portal. McCord recently revealed his reasons for choosing the Orange over other schools like Nebraska and Miami, both of which were betting favorites to land the junior quarterback. The Mount Laurel, New Jersey native said the main element that drew him to Syracuse was the talent not on the field, but on the sideline.

“I think the experience on the coaching staff is extremely important,” McCord said. “It was a big factor in my decision. Just being at a place where I can be surrounded with good players. They’ve done some good things on the portal trail, bringing in some guys from Georgia and other places. All of that, when you combine it, makes it an appealing destination.”

Syracuse named former Georgia defensive backs coach Fran Brown as its new head coach in late November. McCord said he has been impressed with what Brown has been able to do already with the Orange. “What Coach Fran has been able to do in the last few weeks since becoming head coach, it speaks volumes,” McCord said. “I think the pieces are all coming together at the right time.”

McCord threw for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns in his first season as the leading man behind center, leading Ohio State to victory on multiple occasions. Entering his senior season, McCord feels the pressure is on to leave a lasting final impression, and Syracuse is the perfect place to do just that. “I have one more chance to go out and really commit myself, and going through the process, I was looking at schools where I’d have a chance of winning right away,” McCord said. “And with the pieces going there, I’ll definitely have that option.”