Kyle McCord’s decision to transfer from Ohio State stunned not only fans but also national pundits.
Josh Fryer, an offensive lineman, said he learned about the move through social media. Donovan Jackson, another offensive lineman, agreed.
Neither is upset by McCord’s decision to leave the program before the No. 7 Buckeyes face No. 9 Missouri in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. Players must do what is best for their future, and staying in Columbus was not in the cards for McCord.
“He just chose what was best for him,” Jackson explained to reporters. “You know, man, he’s my brother. I’m proud of him no matter where he goes. I’ll be there for him, man, wherever he goes.”
McCord, who led the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record and over 3,100 yards passing, will consider his options. He has the option of returning if coach Ryan Day offers him a roster spot, or he can choose to be a building block for another program looking to compete in a new era of college football with playoff expansion.
Following a 30-24 loss to No. 1 Michigan in Ann Arbor last month, several players were aware of McCord’s intention to leave the program. McCord threw two costly interceptions against the Wolverines, including one on the final drive that sealed a six-point win for the Wolverines and extended the losing streak to three games.
“I felt really bad for him, how he was treated after those games,” said defensive lineman Jack Sawyer. “And I don’t believe it was fair.” I understand that the quarterback is expected to win games at Ohio State. And I don’t believe it was his fault that we lost in Ann Arbor.
“I adore Kyle and wish him nothing but the best.” And I just think the way he ended his career here was unfortunate.”
When asked about the criticism heaped on McCord this season, receiver Emeka Egbuka didn’t mince words. Despite this, the junior quarterback threw 24 touchdowns and six interceptions while leading the Buckeyes to top-10 victories over Notre Dame and Penn State.
“People can say what they want about Kyle, we went 11-1, we had a great season,” Egbuka said. “Unfortunately, we were defeated by the team from the north.” But you can’t really call his actions into question. We had a Biletnikoff winner, which you can’t have with a bad quarterback.”
Sawyer mentioned how, in Columbus, all eyes are on the quarterback, especially given the tenures of CJ Stroud and Justin Fields. Stroud, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, led the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2022 and a Peach Bowl victory over eventual national champion Georgia.
Fields, a fellow Heisman Trophy finalist and first-round pick, led the Buckeyes to a Big Ten title and a national championship game against Alabama during the season.
“You should throw for 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns.” It’s a lot of pressure, especially when you’re a first-year starter and you’ve been playing on a bad wheel all year and you’re battling through it and handling things like a professional like he did all season,” Sawyer said. “You know, it’s just difficult to see. As a friend and teammate, I feel bad for him.”
Questions surround the Ohio State quarterback room as the Big Ten enters a new era. With the addition of the four Pac-12 schools, the conference expands to 18 teams, but will the quarterback room in Columbus add a proven name to compete for the starting job?
Devin Brown, who battled McCord for the starting job during fall camp, will now receive first-team reps heading into Cotton Bowl practice. Freshman Lincoln Kienholz could also see action at AT&T Stadium, giving Day a preview of what to expect in 2024.
McCord, as well as the other 13 players who have entered the portal since the regular-season finale, will be missed, according to Egbuka, who will play and may return for another season. The emphasis, however, must be on securing a victory over a Tigers team that far exceeded expectations in Columbia this fall.
“It’s always the next man forward mentality,” Egbuka explained. “And as far as who will be at quarterback, obviously the wide receivers don’t have much say in that; that will be decided by the coaching staff.” But whoever is back there, we know they have the ability to complete the task.”
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