Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord is entering the transfer portal, sparking surprise and speculation about his decision to potentially change schools.
McCord's move follows Ohio State's announcement of playing in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri, where they secured the No. 7 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings.
Coach Ryan Day's ambiguous response about the team's starting quarterback for the 2024 season added uncertainty to McCord's position within the team.
Despite a solid performance with 3,170 yards and 24 TDs in his first season as a starter, McCord's stats didn't match those of previous quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud or Justin Fields in Day's offense.
McCord faced challenges in crucial games, notably throwing two interceptions against Michigan in the regular season finale but also showcasing strengths with 18-of-30 passing for 271 yards and two TDs in the same game.
In a game against Notre Dame in September, McCord's performance included leading the Buckeyes to a game-winning touchdown despite completing 21-of-37 passes for 240 yards.
Kyle McCord, a four-star recruit in the class of 2021, was highly rated as the No. 35 prospect overall and the No. 4 pro-style quarterback in his class.
With McCord's impending transfer, the starting quarterback position against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl might be filled by either Devin Brown or Lincoln Kleinholz.
Devin Brown, who served as Ohio State's backup this season, appeared in five games, while Lincoln Kleinholz made two appearances.
McCord's departure raises questions about the future quarterback situation at Ohio State and the potential impact on the team's dynamics for upcoming seasons.