Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord, who had been the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes throughout the season, made the surprising decision to enter the transfer portal on Monday morning. Despite winning the starting job early in the season after competing with Devin Brown, McCord ultimately chose to explore other opportunities. This move comes after spending three years with the Buckeyes, patiently waiting his turn behind C.J. Stroud, who is now the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. McCord was highly regarded as ESPN’s No. 31 prospect in the 2021 class and had a decent season, throwing for 3,170 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 65.8% of his passes.
The Impact of McCord’s Performance
Although McCord had moments of brilliance, including three games with over 300 passing yards, he struggled with consistency. He had two games where he threw two interceptions, one of which was during the regular-season finale against Michigan, which ultimately cost Ohio State a chance at a College Football Playoff spot for the second time in three years. Despite these setbacks, Buckeyes coach Ryan Day acknowledged McCord’s growth throughout the season, particularly in the Notre Dame game. However, Day remained noncommittal about McCord’s future as the team’s starting quarterback when asked, indicating that there may have been concerns about his performance.
Ohio State’s disappointing loss to Michigan and their subsequent exclusion from the College Football Playoff forced the coaching staff to reevaluate the team’s performance. Day emphasized the need to analyze every aspect of the team and make necessary changes: “When you come up short, the bottom line is you got to look at everything, because you didn’t get it done, and that’s the thing that is just sobering here.” The transfer portal provides an opportunity for players to explore new options, and McCord’s decision to enter suggests that he may be seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
Other Players Entering the Transfer Portal
In addition to McCord, Ohio State had several other players enter the transfer portal, including running back Evan Pryor, who was ESPN’s No. 128 recruit in the 2021 class. These entries indicate a potential shake-up within the team as players seek new opportunities or a change in their roles. It remains to be seen how these transfers will impact Ohio State’s roster and future performance.
With McCord’s departure, Ohio State will have to look for a new starting quarterback for the upcoming season. This change presents an opportunity for other quarterbacks on the roster to step up and compete for the starting job. Additionally, the coaching staff will need to address any underlying issues that contributed to the team’s shortcomings during the season. Ohio State has always been a powerhouse in college football, and they will undoubtedly work hard to bounce back and contend for championships in the future.
Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord’s decision to enter the transfer portal has raised questions about the future of the Buckeyes’ football program. McCord’s departure, along with other players entering the portal, signals the need for evaluation and potential changes within the team. Ohio State will need to find a new starting quarterback and address any underlying issues in order to regain their status as a top contender in college football.
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