It’s safe to say there’s no position more important on the football field than quarterback. Not only does the signal-caller run the offense, but its status on a team or a program can make or break a season. Look at star tight end Oronde Gadsden II, who told head coach Fran Brown he was only coming back if he landed a QB. Brown responded by converting Kyle McCord from Ohio State after a 3,000+ yard season. 247 Sports released a ranking of the top 20 transfer quarterbacks for the 2024 campaign, and McCord’s placement may surprise you.
The New Jersey native slotted in as the 14th-best transfer quarterback according to the recruiting site. The article notes that McCord was a competent quarterback for Ohio State, guiding the Buckeyes to another successful season. However, the offense fell short of its potential without the top-tier talent at quarterback that was typical during the Ryan Day era. McCord became a standout addition to Syracuse’s notable transfer class after concluding his Ohio State career. If he can improve on his previous stats of a 66% completion rate, 3,170 yards, and 24 touchdowns, the Orange could make a significant impact in the ACC.
It’s interesting to note some of the other placements on this list, especially within the ACC. NC State’s newest quarterback Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina ranked under McCord at #20. Above SU’s top guy is the journeyman DJ Uiagalelei, who will play his final season of college football at Florida State this season. Above that at #4, Miami’s newest face in Cam Ward, who the Orange get to welcome to the Dome to conclude the season (a game that could have some major implications.) Funny enough, number one is McCord’s replacement at Ohio State, that being Julian Sayin from Alabama.
Now this article is strictly opinion with not much statistics to go off of, but it is interesting that McCord is considered that low comparatively to the other quarterbacks on the list. Many have called McCord a byproduct of generational receiver Marvin Harrison Jr, but only time will tell on that front. The senior will have all the tools around him to prove people wrong and take the ‘Cuse to success this fall.
