Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Kyle McCord let the cat out of the bag regarding why he opted to transfer from Ohio State to Syracuse

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 10:36 AM ET

Ohio State Buckeyes faced a big decision last offseason with who they wanted to be their starting quarterback.

Following Kyle McCord’s transfer portal entry, the Buckeyes had to find a starting quarterback. That quarterback decision worked perfectly for the Buckeyes with Will Howard, and they went on to win a National Championship.

On the flip side, McCord’s exit worked out for him, and he had a solid season at Syracuse. Now, both quarterbacks will be drafted in just over a week. McCord's decision to leave surprised many, and he revealed why on Jon Gruden’s “Gruden’s QB Class.”

“I thought just going on from Year 1 to Year 2 I made a big improvement and wanted to come back,” McCord said. “They wanted to go in a different direction.”

McCord makes it sound as if the Buckeyes wanted to move off of him as the starter, at least that is his story. The former highly rated recruit threw for 3,170 yards, 26 touchdowns, and six interceptions in his lone season as the Ohio State starter.

Following his transfer to Syracuse, McCord was able to put up bigger numbers with the Orange. McCord attempted a whopping 592 passes and had 4,779 passing yards for 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

It was a transfer out that ended up working for both sides and there are no hard feelings from either side. McCord was a better fit for a school like Syracuse and the Buckeyes needed a quarterback of Howard’s style.

Nonetheless, it is interesting to hear McCord admit his side of the story that it was Ohio State who didn’t want him back. As always, there are two sides to every story and the truth likely lays somewhere in between.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: