Kyle McCord, born on September 19, 2002, has navigated a compelling path through the landscape of college football, culminating in his recent entry into the National Football League (NFL). From his highly touted high school career to his time at Ohio State and his breakout season at Syracuse, McCord’s journey has been marked by both expectation and adaptation. This article delves into the informative details surrounding Kyle McCord, addressing the key questions that football enthusiasts are searching for online.
Early Years and High School Dominance
Hailing from Mount Laurel, New Jersey, Kyle McCord established himself as a football prodigy during his time at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There, he was a teammate of another future Ohio State star, Marvin Harrison Jr. McCord’s talent was evident early on, receiving his first college scholarship offer from Central Michigan even before his freshman year.
His high school career was nothing short of spectacular. As a sophomore, he set a school record with 2,883 passing yards and 35 touchdowns. He followed this with another impressive season as a junior, throwing for 2,399 yards and 31 touchdowns before an injury cut his season short. McCord’s exceptional performance earned him numerous accolades, including Philadelphia Catholic League MVP honors and a Pennsylvania 6A State Championship.
Rated as a four-star recruit initially, McCord’s continued development saw him rise to a five-star prospect by his junior year, according to 247Sports. He committed to Ohio State during his sophomore year, choosing the Buckeyes over offers from prominent programs like Texas A&M, Penn State, and Michigan State.
College Career: The Ohio State Chapter (2021-2023)
Kyle McCord enrolled at Ohio State in January 2021, joining a quarterback room that featured the highly talented C.J. Stroud. For his freshman season, McCord primarily served as Stroud’s backup. He saw action in five games, making one start against Akron while Stroud recovered from a shoulder injury. In that game, McCord showcased his potential, completing 13 of 18 passes for 319 yards and two touchdowns, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. He finished his freshman campaign with 416 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Entering his sophomore season, McCord remained the second-string quarterback. He appeared in seven games, all in a relief role, completing 16 of 20 pass attempts for 190 yards and one touchdown. The departure of C.J. Stroud for the NFL in 2023 set up a quarterback competition between McCord and Devin Brown. McCord ultimately won the starting job for the season opener, although Head Coach Ryan Day indicated the competition would continue.
McCord started all 12 regular-season games for the Buckeyes in 2023, leading them to an 11-1 record. He completed 229 of 348 passes for 3,170 yards, throwing 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. Despite a successful regular season, Ohio State’s loss to Michigan and Day’s non-committal stance on McCord’s future as the definitive starter led McCord to enter the NCAA transfer portal prior to the team’s Cotton Bowl appearance.
College Career: The Syracuse Surge (2024)
Seeking a fresh start and an opportunity to be the undisputed starting quarterback, Kyle McCord transferred to Syracuse University in November 2023. This move reunited him with Fran Brown, who had recruited him while at Georgia and had since become the head coach of the Orange.
McCord’s lone season at Syracuse in 2024 was nothing short of record-breaking. He thrived in the Orange’s offensive system, leading the FBS in several passing categories. In 13 games, he completed 391 of 592 passes for an impressive 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions. His 391 completions and 4,779 passing yards set new Syracuse program records and also surpassed Deshaun Watson’s ACC records for completions and passing yards in a single season.
His stellar season earned him Second-Team All-ACC honors and a 10th-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting, the best for a Syracuse player since 2001. McCord also received invitations to the East-West Shrine Bowl and was a finalist for the Manning Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. His final collegiate game was a memorable one, as he threw for 453 yards and five touchdowns in Syracuse’s Holiday Bowl victory over Washington State.
Professional Career: Philadelphia Eagle (2025-Present)
Following his remarkable season at Syracuse, Kyle McCord declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round with the 181st overall pick. This marked a homecoming for McCord, who grew up in the Philadelphia area and has a long-standing connection with Eagles quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler, who offered him his first scholarship in eighth grade.
Upon being drafted, McCord signed his rookie contract with the Eagles. He joins a quarterback room led by Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, along with Tanner McKee. While Hurts is the clear starter, McCord will have the opportunity to learn from a proven talent and compete for a backup role. Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman praised McCord’s quick processing, anticipation, and accuracy, highlighting his impressive statistics from his season at Syracuse.
McCord himself has expressed excitement about learning from Hurts and applying the lessons he learned during his time in college, particularly his experience sitting behind C.J. Stroud at Ohio State. He has been assigned jersey number 19 with the Eagles.
FAQs
Who is Kyle McCord?
Kyle McCord is a 22-year-old quarterback who began his collegiate career at Ohio State University. After spending three seasons there, he transferred to Syracuse University for the 2024 season. At Syracuse, McCord led the team to a 10-3 record, setting multiple school and ACC records in the process.
What are Kyle McCord’s college statistics?
During the 2024 season at Syracuse, McCord achieved:
4,779 passing yards (ACC single-season record)
34 touchdown passes
66% completion rate
391 completions on 592 attempts
Holiday Bowl MVP with 453 passing yards and five touchdowns
Over his collegiate career, McCord accumulated 8,555 passing yards, 61 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.
What are Kyle McCord’s strengths as a quarterback?
Scouting reports highlight several strengths:
Quick Release and Mechanics: McCord has a rapid release and solid mechanics, allowing him to get the ball out quickly.
Accuracy: He demonstrates exceptional ball placement, especially on intermediate routes.
Football IQ: McCord shows advanced pre-snap recognition and the ability to read defenses effectively.
Leadership: He has been recognized for his leadership qualities and command of the offense.
What are Kyle McCord’s weaknesses?
Areas of concern include:
Mobility: McCord is not a dual-threat quarterback and lacks escapability outside the pocket.
Arm Strength: His arm strength is considered average, potentially limiting deep throws.
Decision-Making Under Pressure: He can struggle when plays break down, sometimes forcing throws into tight coverage.
Progression Reads: McCord occasionally locks onto his primary target, missing opportunities to progress through reads.
Which NFL teams have shown interest in Kyle McCord?
Reports indicate that teams like the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets have shown interest in McCord, viewing him as a potential developmental quarterback.
What is Kyle McCord’s draft projection?
McCord is generally projected as a mid-round pick, with most analysts placing him in the third to fifth-round range. His performance at Syracuse and during the pre-draft process, including the Shrine Bowl, has bolstered his draft stock.
What is Kyle McCord’s playing style?
McCord is considered a traditional pocket passer with a quick release and strong accuracy in the short to intermediate passing game. He operates well within structured offensive systems and is adept at pre-snap reads.
What accolades has Kyle McCord received?
During his collegiate career, McCord earned:
Third Team All-Big Ten (2023)
Second Team All-ACC (2024)
Holiday Bowl MVP (2024)
Set ACC single-season passing yards record (2024)
How does Kyle McCord compare to other quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class?
Analysts rank McCord among the top mid-tier quarterbacks in the 2025 draft. While he may not possess the athleticism of some peers, his accuracy, football intelligence, and leadership qualities make him a valuable prospect for teams seeking a reliable backup with potential to develop into a starter.
What is Kyle McCord’s potential in the NFL?
McCord’s success at the professional level will likely depend on landing with a team that utilizes a system catering to his strengths—a structured, timing-based offense. With proper development and support, he has the potential to become a competent NFL quarterback.
To conclude
Kyle McCord’s journey from Ohio State to Syracuse showcases his resilience and adaptability. His impressive 2024 season at Syracuse, marked by record-breaking performances and leadership, has positioned him as a noteworthy prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. While he may not fit the mold of the modern dual-threat quarterback, his strengths as a pocket passer, combined with his football intelligence and leadership, offer significant value to teams seeking a dependable and coachable player. As the draft approaches, McCord’s performance in pre-draft evaluations and interviews will be crucial in determining his final draft position and future in the NFL.
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