Former Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer has openly questioned quarterback Kyle McCord’s decision to enter the NCAA football transfer portal despite an impressive 2023 season.
McCord, who threw for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns with only six interceptions had been in the Heisman Trophy conversation at one point during the season.
There are very few situations that would seem to be better than the one McCord found himself in under Ryan Day at Ohio State – and Meyer himself spoke of his surprise and confusion with his decision to leave Columbus.
“That made no sense. I’m still trying to comprehend it. I tried to take a position of Kyle or even Ohio State, and it just doesn’t compute,” Meyer told Tim May of On3.com
“He had a good year. I mean they beat Notre Dame as a first-time starter, three new offensive linemen. You know, he’s on the 37-yard line. He threw two interceptions in the Wolverine game that weren’t his fault.”
“I’m trying to make it compute, because I want to be empathetic and I want to say, ‘OK, I understand.’ There’s no place better for Kyle than Ohio State. That place does not exist, unless he’s being guaranteed a starting spot.”
“But once again, I don’t agree with that’s the best place. I think iron sharpens iron, steel sharpens steel. The best thing that anybody can ever do is go and compete your tail off, get better and maximize who you are as a player.”
Urban Meyer on Ohio State QB Kyle McCord entering the Transfer Portal:
“That made no sense. I’m still trying to comprehend it. I tried to take a position of Kyle or even Ohio State, and it just doesn’t compute.
He had a good year. I mean they beat Notre Dame as a first-time… pic.twitter.com/BeUaorIlsV
— On3 (@On3sports) December 8, 2023
McCord’s decision to leave Ohio State has undoubtedly raised eyebrows, especially considering the program’s track record of developing quarterbacks and skill players.
However, Meyer acknowledged that at the end of the day, McCord is making a personal decision based on what he believes is best for his career.
The unexpected move by McCord adds an intriguing element to what is shaping up to be a crazy transfer portal “season.”
The early word is that Big Ten rival Nebraska is one of the favorites to land McCord.
Where do you think he’ll end up?
Are you surprised that he entered the portal?
Do you think it’s a mistake for him to leave Day and the Buckeyes???