In an absolute stunner, Ohio State star quarterback Kyle McCord has announced his decision to enter the college football transfer portal.
McCord, who threw for an impressive 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns during his first full season as a starter, expressed his desire to explore new opportunities.
— Kyle McCord (@kylemccord16) December 4, 2023
McCord played a pivotal role in leading Coach Ryan Day’s squad to an 11-0 record before their defeat to arch-rivals Michigan in the regular-season finale, a game that determined the Big Ten East champion (as well as a Playoff spot).
McCord was a dark-horse Heisman Trophy candidate throughout the season. The highlight of his season was his epic performance in the Buckeyes dramatic victory over Notre Dame on the road in South Bend.
Kyle McCord started just 13 games in his Buckeye career and while it didn’t end how anyone hoped, he certainly left a mark.
Buckeye fans will forever be talking about the Notre Dame game. One of the greatest endings to an Ohio State game ever. pic.twitter.com/HxR4BP4tPs pic.twitter.com/24jzp5IIug
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) December 4, 2023
The quarterback competition at Ohio State was intense during the offseason, with McCord battling Devin Brown for the starting position after C.J. Stroud departed for the NFL.
Currently ranked #5 in the transfer portal rankings by 247Sports, McCord is poised to be a highly sought-after prospect in the market.
Another Heisman Trophy dark-horse candidate to enter the portal is Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who is seeking his third home after leaving Central Florida and now (most likely) the Sooners.
The transfer portal has also seen other notable quarterbacks, such Duke’s Riley Leonard, Washington State’s Cameron Ward, UCLA’s Dante Moore, Oregon State’s DJ Uiagalelei, and Kansas State’s Will Howard head to the open market.
Accurate Transfer Portal numbers as of 11:59pm EST on Day One!
1,191 FBS
1,041 FCS
1,240 D2
468 D3
4,026 TOTAL— Hudson Alexander (@CoachHudAmherst) December 5, 2023
There’s speculation that Coach Ryan Day’s decision to lean towards more mobile quarterbacks might be a response to the struggles against Michigan, as neither Stroud nor McCord could secure a victory over the hated Wolverines.
Potential transfer portal destinations for Ohio State QB Kyle McCord: https://t.co/rAUrkgPk9s pic.twitter.com/TBcdVdeTZD
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) December 4, 2023
Are you surprised that McCord and Gabriel are looking to transfer?
Where do you think the best landing spots for them will be???