In an interview with ESPN, former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord stated that he has committed to Syracuse, citing the pool of talent being assembled by incoming coach Fran Brown.

McCord, who left Ohio State after being 11-1 as a starter this season and 12-1 over his three-year tenure, was among the best quarterbacks available through the transfer site. He completed 65.8% of his passes this season, totaling 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.

He will be eligible for benefits immediately and for another year. Syracuse’s acquisition of him is a coup since it provides Brown with a foundation upon which to develop in his rookie campaign.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, McCord is the highest-rated player to pledge to Syracuse since ESPN started keeping track of recruiting rankings in 2006. He is currently ranked No. 31 in the Class of 2021 rankings.

McCord is well-connected to the Syracuse personnel. He was raised in New Jersey and has spent ten years getting to know Nunzio Campanile, the quarterbacks coach, as well as Brown. Additionally, he is close to Jeff Nixon, the offensive coordinator the New York Giants were slated to sign and who is currently coaching their running backs.

McCord told ESPN, “I think the coaching staff’s experience is really important.” It played a significant role in my choice. Simply being in an environment where talented players can surround me. They have brought in some guys from Georgia and other locations, and they have done some wonderful things on the gateway path. When you take all of it into account, it becomes a desirable location.

Brown is the foundation of his beliefs; he took Dino Babers’ place. Syracuse’s early efforts to upgrade their talent through the transfer portal have been praised by McCord.

McCord stated, “What Coach Fran has been able to accomplish in the last few weeks since taking over as head coach, it speaks volumes.” “I believe everything is fitting together perfectly at this moment.”

McCord wants to get ready for the National Football League. He said that knowing he only had a year remaining to be eligible encouraged him to concentrate during the portal process on areas in which he could excel.

“It’s my last chance to go out there and really commit myself, and while I was going through the process, I was looking at schools where I would have an immediate advantage,” he stated. “And I will most certainly have that option with the pieces going there.”

He claimed he was drawn to Nixon because of his long NFL career—more than 10 years spent at several league locations—and because he was Baylor’s play caller under Matt Rhule.

McCord described Nixon’s offensive style as “diversified and capable of putting up points by throwing the ball around the field.” “Everywhere he has gone, he has done that.”

One of the biggest surprises of the college football offseason was McCord’s inclusion in the portal. He finished 11-1, with his lone defeat coming at the hands of Michigan in the last week.

He expressed his gratitude for the time and knowledge he had with the Buckeyes.

Regarding Ohio State, McCord remarked, “I think the biggest thing is starting a full season there.” “I participated in numerous big games, played a lot of football, and learned a lot.” That was a worthwhile experience. For me, being able to bring that with me to Syracuse will be extremely useful. It’s really important to have that in my pocket and to know what I need to work on right now.

McCord is also acquainted with Syracuse’s roster. He revealed to ESPN that he is acquainted with two New Jersey-born Syracuse players: defensive back Alijah Clark and defensive lineman Denis Jaquez Jr. In addition, he claimed to be acquainted with some of the portal recruits who were in town the weekend he made his formal trip to Syracuse.

McCord remarked, “just being around a bunch of guys I played football with growing up.” Among coaches I’ve known for a very long time. Everything seemed to be happening at precisely the perfect moment.