Kyle McCord’s time at Syracuse may have been short-lived but it sure was memorable.
On Friday, the former St. Joseph’s Prep quarterback announced he has declared for the NFL draft following one season with the Orange. McCord, who spent his first three seasons at Ohio State, led the nation in passing this season with 4,779 yards, setting the Atlantic Coast Conference’s single-season record in the process. The news comes after McCord initially explored applying for an NCAA waiver for another season of eligibility.
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“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.”
In a post on X, McCord thanked his family, Syracuse’s coaching staff, and his teammates for developing bonds that “will last a lifetime” and helping cultivate “some of my best memories.” He also said playing in the NFL “has been a lifelong dream, and I’m incredibly blessed to be able to go chase it.”
After an up-and-down junior season starting for the Buckeyes, McCord entered the transfer portal and committed to Syracuse and first-year head coach Frank Brown last December. The rest is history, as the senior quarterback exploded under Brown and Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, setting school records for yards (4,779), touchdown passes (34), completions (391), and attempts (592).
McCord was a three-year starter at St. Joe’s Prep, leading the Hawks to three state titles while starring alongside current Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
McCord, who grew up in Mount Laurel, committed to Syracuse in part due to a long-standing family connection with Brown, who grew up and coached in the Camden area.
“It was the best decision that I’ve ever made in my life,” McCord said in December of transferring to Syracuse.
“I think the people I’ve met and relationships I’ve created will go a lot further than wins, losses, and records. I grew as a player and person more than I could have imagined. It was exactly what Coach Fran told me it was going to be but 10-11 months later to see it all play out, it was a great decision to come here.”
With McCord at the helm, the Orange (10-3) won 10 games for the first time since 2018, beat three ranked opponents, won the Holiday Bowl, and are assured of finishing with a Top-25 final ranking in the end-of-season AP poll for just the third time in the past 25 years. He saved his best for last, throwing for 380 yards and three touchdowns in an upset of No. 6 Miami in the regular-season finale, before racking up a career-high 453 yards and five more touchdowns in Syracuse’s 52-35 Holiday Bowl win over Washington State.
McCord is ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper’s No. 7 ranked quarterback and right now is expected to be a mid-round pick. McCord’s decision to go pro comes after Syracuse’s top wide receiver Jackson Meeks, tight end Orande Gadsden II, and running back LeQuint Allen all declared early for the draft.