Kyle McCord Declares for the 2025 NFL Draft After Historic Season at Syracuse
In a move that marks the culmination of a remarkable college football journey, Kyle McCord, the nation’s leading passer in 2024, has announced his decision to declare for the 2025 NFL draft. The Syracuse quarterback, who transferred from ohio State after the 2023 season, revealed his plans to ESPN on Friday, ending speculation about his future and closing the door on pursuing an NCAA eligibility waiver for another year.
McCord’s decision comes on the heels of a historic season at Syracuse, where he led the Orange to a 10-win campaign—their first since 2018—and a victory over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl. His 4,779 passing yards not only topped the nation but also shattered DeShaun Watson’s all-time ACC passing record, cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in conference history.“I think the biggest thing for me was, obviously, I felt like I put together a really good year,” McCord told ESPN. “With the way everything played itself out and what I’m hearing in terms of feedback at the draft, it just makes sense to go, after weighing all the options out.”
A journey of Resilience and Redemption
McCord’s path to the NFL Draft has been anything but conventional. After a solid but unspectacular stint at Ohio State, where he went 11-1 as a starter, McCord entered the transfer portal in December 2023, unsure of his next destination. His leap of faith to Syracuse under first-year head coach Fran Brown and offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon proved to be a career-defining move.
“It was a little bit of a leap of faith going to Syracuse,” McCord admitted. “Coming off the season I had at Ohio State and going into the portal and having no idea where you are going to be, it was a scary situation to be in.”
The gamble paid off. Under Nixon’s guidance, McCord flourished, finishing fourth nationally with 34 touchdown passes and showcasing the poise and precision that NFL scouts covet. “he’s one of the smartest football minds I’ve ever had a chance to be around,” McCord said of Nixon. “He put me in position to go out and have success. His play calling, I think, was phenomenal, especially in situations where we had to have it. I owe a lot of my success to him.”
NFL Draft Outlook
While McCord’s 2024 campaign has undoubtedly boosted his draft stock, he is currently projected as a mid-round pick. According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper, McCord is not among the top 10 draft-eligible quarterbacks, but his participation in the East-West Shrine Bowl and upcoming meetings with NFL teams could provide an possibility to climb the ranks.
McCord’s statistical dominance and leadership at Syracuse have already caught the attention of NFL evaluators. His ability to thrive under pressure and his experience in high-stakes games—both at Ohio state and Syracuse—make him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a developmental quarterback.
A Grateful Farewell
As McCord prepares for the next chapter of his football career,he took a moment to reflect on his time at Syracuse and express his gratitude to the program that revived his career. “The biggest thing is how thankful I am for Syracuse for bringing me in,” he said. “I’m thankful to the coaches, my teammates, and the fans.”
McCord’s journey—from the uncertainty of the transfer portal to a record-breaking season at Syracuse—has been a testament to his resilience and determination.“I think I learned a lot about myself throughout the process,” he said. “It was really the first time I faced a big moment of adversity having to go in the portal.It’s definitely been a crazy, wild ride. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
Key Highlights of Kyle McCord’s 2024 Season
| Statistic | Value |
|————————-|————————-|
| Passing Yards | 4,779 (led nation) |
| Touchdown Passes | 34 (4th nationally) |
| Record as Starter | 22-4 (Ohio State/Syracuse) |
| Bowl Game | Holiday Bowl Victory |
| ACC Record Broken | DeShaun Watson’s Passing Yards |
As McCord turns his attention to the NFL Draft, his story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the impact of finding the right fit. Syracuse fans will undoubtedly remember him as the quarterback who brought the program back to prominence, while NFL teams will now weigh whether his breakout season is a sign of things to come.
For more insights on McCord’s draft prospects and his journey, check out this 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report and his rise in the eyes of evaluators here.
Kyle McCord’s NFL Draft Journey: A Conversation with College Football Expert Marcus Reynolds
In the wake of Kyle McCord’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, world-today-news.com sat down with college football analyst Marcus Reynolds to break down McCord’s historic season at syracuse, his unconventional path to the draft, and what NFL teams can expect from the record-breaking quarterback. Reynolds, a former college coach and current ESPN contributor, offers unique insights into McCord’s advancement, his resilience, and his potential at the next level.
From Ohio State to Syracuse: A Leap of Faith
Senior editor: Marcus, let’s start with McCord’s decision to transfer from Ohio State to Syracuse. It was a bold move, especially after going 11-1 as a starter at Ohio State. What did you make of that decision at the time?
Marcus Reynolds: It was a gutsy move, no doubt. McCord was in a tough spot at Ohio State. He had a solid season, but the program was clearly looking to go in a different direction. Entering the transfer portal is always a risk, especially for a quarterback.You’re essentially betting on yourself to find the right fit. Syracuse, under first-year head coach Fran Brown and offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, offered him a fresh start. And boy, did he make the most of it.
Senior Editor: What stood out to you about McCord’s performance at Syracuse?
Marcus Reynolds: His growth was remarkable. at Ohio State, he was more of a game manager, but at Syracuse, he became a true playmaker. He led the nation in passing yards with 4,779 and threw 34 touchdown passes, which ranked fourth nationally. What impressed me most was his poise under pressure. He thrived in critical moments, whether it was breaking DeShaun Watson’s ACC passing record or leading Syracuse to a Holiday Bowl victory. That kind of mental toughness is what NFL scouts look for.
The role of Coaching in McCord’s Success
Senior Editor: McCord has been vocal about the impact of Syracuse’s coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon. how much credit do you give to Nixon for McCord’s breakout season?
Marcus Reynolds: A ton of credit. Jeff Nixon is one of the brightest offensive minds in college football. He tailored the offense to McCord’s strengths,putting him in positions to succeed. Nixon’s play-calling was exceptional, especially in high-leverage situations. McCord himself has said that Nixon’s guidance was instrumental in his development. It’s a great exmaple of how the right coach can unlock a player’s potential.
Senior Editor: Do you think McCord’s success at Syracuse was a product of the system, or does he have the tools to succeed in the NFL?
marcus Reynolds: It’s a bit of both. The system at Syracuse certainly played to his strengths, but mccord has the raw talent to succeed at the next level. he’s got a strong arm, excellent accuracy, and the ability to read defenses. What’s more, he’s shown he can handle adversity. His journey—from the uncertainty of the transfer portal to a record-breaking season—speaks volumes about his character and resilience. Those intangibles are just as vital as physical tools in the NFL.
NFL Draft Outlook: Where Does McCord Fit?
Senior Editor: McCord is currently projected as a mid-round pick.Do you see him climbing the draft boards as we get closer to April?
Marcus Reynolds: Absolutely. Right now, he’s not in the top tier of quarterback prospects, but he’s got the potential to rise.His performance at the East-West Shrine bowl will be crucial. If he can showcase his skills against top competition and impress in team interviews, I could see him moving into the third or even second round. Teams are always looking for quarterbacks who can develop into starters, and McCord fits that mold.
Senior Editor: What kind of NFL team would be the best fit for McCord?
Marcus Reynolds: A team with a strong offensive system and a patient coaching staff would be ideal. McCord isn’t a Day 1 starter, but he has the tools to develop into a solid NFL quarterback. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks or Minnesota Vikings, who have veteran quarterbacks but are thinking about the future, could be great fits. He’d benefit from sitting for a year or two, learning the ropes, and then competing for the starting job.
Reflecting on McCord’s Legacy at Syracuse
Senior Editor: McCord’s time at Syracuse was brief but impactful. How do you think Orange fans will remember him?
Marcus Reynolds: he’ll be remembered as the quarterback who brought Syracuse back to relevance. Before McCord arrived, the program had been struggling. But in just one season, he led them to a 10-win campaign, a Holiday Bowl victory, and broke an ACC passing record.That’s a legacy any player would be proud of. Syracuse fans will always appreciate what he did for the program,and I think he’ll always hold a special place in their hearts.
Senior Editor: what’s your overall takeaway from McCord’s journey?
Marcus Reynolds: It’s a story of resilience and redemption. mccord faced adversity head-on, took a leap of faith, and came out on top. His journey is a reminder that success isn’t always linear. Sometimes, you have to take a step back to move forward. I’m excited to see what he does at the next level. If he continues to work hard and stay focused, the sky’s the limit.
Key Highlights of Kyle McCord’s 2024 Season
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 4,779 (led nation) |
| Touchdown Passes | 34 (4th nationally) |
| Record as Starter | 22-4 (Ohio State/Syracuse) |
| Bowl Game | Holiday Bowl Victory |
| ACC record Broken | DeShaun Watson’s Passing Yards |
For more insights on McCord’s draft prospects and his journey,check out this 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report and his rise in the eyes of evaluators here.
