Former Ohio State QB Gets Candid on Split from Buckeyes

FORMER OHIO STATE QB GETS CANDID ON SPLIT FROM BUCKEYES

When a player parts ways with a program as iconic as Ohio State, it’s rarely without layers of emotion, reflection, and revelations. Recently, former Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord broke his silence and gave fans an unfiltered look into his exit from Columbus, detailing what led to his departure, how he viewed his time under center, and what the future holds.

McCord, once a highly touted four-star prospect out of Philadelphia, arrived in Columbus with hopes of leading the Buckeyes to glory. He waited patiently behind C.J. Stroud, learning the ropes and biding his time. When Stroud declared for the NFL Draft, McCord appeared to be the natural successor. After a fierce quarterback battle in the spring and summer of 2023, McCord was finally named the starter just ahead of the season opener.

But despite leading the team to an 11-1 regular season record and throwing for over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns, McCord’s position as QB1 was never truly secure. Criticism mounted during key moments—particularly during close contests and the crushing loss to Michigan, which ultimately kept Ohio State out of the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff. The expectations in Columbus are sky-high, and McCord admitted the pressure was immense.

In a recent interview, McCord didn’t hold back about his experience.

“I gave everything I had to Ohio State, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. But after the season ended, I knew I needed a fresh start,” he said. “There were things behind the scenes that made it clear I wasn’t in the long-term plans anymore.”

One of the most telling parts of the conversation centered on his relationship with head coach Ryan Day and the offensive staff. McCord admitted the dynamic had changed.

“It wasn’t animosity, but there was a shift,” McCord said. “As the season went on, I could feel it. There were whispers about changes, about bringing someone else in. I just had to be honest with myself—was this still the right place for me to grow?”

Shortly after the regular season concluded, McCord entered the transfer portal. While some were shocked by the decision, insiders had speculated for weeks that a change was coming. Within days, McCord announced he would be transferring to Syracuse, reuniting with former Ohio State offensive analyst and current Syracuse head coach Fran Brown.

When asked about the move, McCord said the fit just made sense.

“Coach Brown knows what I bring to the table. I trust his vision, and I wanted to be somewhere I was truly wanted. Syracuse is building something, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Still, the decision to leave wasn’t without pain. McCord spent three years in Columbus and built strong relationships with teammates and coaches. He recalled fond memories, especially the thrilling win over Notre Dame and the electric atmosphere of playing in front of over 100,000 fans at the Horseshoe.

“Those are moments I’ll never forget,” he said. “The fans, the energy, running out of the tunnel—it’s special. It’s one of the best places to play in college football.”

He also addressed the criticism he faced, particularly online, and the challenges of being under the microscope at a blue-blood program.

“At Ohio State, you’re expected to win every game, look perfect doing it, and put up Heisman numbers. When you fall short of that, it’s hard,” McCord explained. “People don’t see what you go through behind the scenes—the injuries, the pressure, the hours you put in.”

Despite the noise, McCord expressed no regrets about his time with the Buckeyes.

“I became a better player, a better person. I learned a lot about myself, and I know I’m prepared for what’s next.”

Now at Syracuse, McCord is embracing a fresh opportunity. He steps into a program on the rise with a coaching staff that believes in him. He’s already begun building chemistry with his new teammates and has taken a leadership role during spring practices.

“It’s a different vibe, but it’s a good one. I feel more relaxed, more free to be myself,” McCord said. “I’m locked in. I want to help turn this program around.”

For Ohio State, the quarterback room is now in the hands of newcomers like Will Howard and Julian Sayin, along with returning talent Devin Brown. As the Buckeyes chart a new course, McCord’s story remains a reminder of the intensity that comes with wearing the scarlet and gray.

And for McCord, the journey is far from over.

“Sometimes you have to take a step back to take a leap forward,” he said. “This isn’t the end of my story—it’s just a new chapter.”

In the world of college football, change is constant. But when players like Kyle McCord speak candidly about their journeys, it offers a rare window into the human side of the sport. For Buckeye Nation, his departure may still sting. But for McCord, it’s a necessary move toward something greater.