Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Syracuse Orange quarterback Kyle McCord is declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, choosing to no longer pursue an NCAA eligibility waiver for another season, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

“Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord, the nation’s leading passer in 2024, told ESPN on Friday that he will declare for the NFL draft and has decided to no longer pursue an NCAA eligibility waiver for another season,” Thamel posted on X. “He broke the ACC single-season passing record this year.”

McCord joined the Orange after three seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes. While he was solid in Columbus, he truly found his footing at Syracuse, passing for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns. As Thamel pointed out, the yardage-mark was good enough to set the ACC single-season passing record.

The quarterback’s play helped ease any growing pains brought on by it being coach Fran Brown’s first season with the program. It was a highly-successful campaign that helped set the stage for future success, and Brown has spoken eloquently about his soon-to-be-former player, pointing out during an appearance on the ACC Network that he views the QB as a top five prospect at his position.

Throughout the year, Brown also thanked Ohio State coach Ryan Day multiple times for allowing McCord to come to Syracuse. He did so again after the regular season, and made it clear he’s not joking or being disrespectful.

“I’m happy that Kyle was able to go and clear his name, come here and show that he’s a good quarterback,” Brown said. “I got ridiculed for stating that I wanted to send Ryan Day a bottle of champagne where I wasn’t being disrespectful.

“I was just saying, this guy’s the real deal, and you guys let him come here. Like, great, thank you. I still owe him. Should send him some more, should send him a (expletive) case, not even a bottle. Excuse my language, but just extremely excited and thankful for Kyle.”

All told, Kyle McCord helped Syracuse to finish with 10 wins for only the third time in the past 25 years this past season. His return would’ve been a major boost for the Orange after they finished tied for fourth in the ACC standings following a win against Miami to close the regular season, but he’s decided to move on to the NFL, where he’ll hope to continue turning heads.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this article.