Former Ohio State QB Opens Up About New Team After Transferring
The world of college football is no stranger to player transfers, and one of the most closely watched stories in recent seasons has been the journey of former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord. A highly touted recruit coming out of high school, McCord had a promising start to his career at Ohio State but ultimately made the decision to transfer after a few seasons of competition for the starting role. As the college football transfer portal continues to shake up the landscape, McCord’s move from Ohio State to his new team has garnered significant attention, both from the media and fans alike.
In this article, we delve into McCord’s reasons for leaving Ohio State, his transition to a new team, and his thoughts on the future as he embarks on this next chapter of his football career. McCord’s story is one of determination, resilience, and the constant pursuit of personal and athletic growth, all while navigating the pressures of playing at one of college football’s most prestigious programs.
Kyle McCord’s Journey to Ohio State
Before we dive into McCord’s decision to transfer, it’s important to understand his background and how he arrived at Ohio State in the first place. Kyle McCord was regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the 2021 recruiting class, a five-star prospect who had the potential to be a future star at the collegiate level. McCord played high school football at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he impressed scouts with his strong arm, football IQ, and ability to make all the necessary throws on the field.
His decision to commit to Ohio State in 2020 was a monumental moment for both McCord and the program. Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, had become a powerhouse in college football, consistently competing for national championships and developing NFL talent at nearly every position. McCord saw the opportunity to learn under Day and develop his skills in a high-profile program as an ideal path to a successful college career and eventual professional prospects.
However, McCord’s journey at Ohio State wasn’t without its challenges. After redshirting in his freshman season, he entered a quarterback room that already featured high-level competition. In 2022, McCord competed with fellow quarterbacks C.J. Stroud, who would go on to become one of the top picks in the NFL Draft, for the starting role. McCord found himself as a backup during Stroud’s tenure, but he received valuable experience when called upon during blowouts and mop-up duty.
As Stroud’s departure to the NFL loomed, McCord, alongside Devin Brown, became a frontrunner for the starting job. However, the competition remained fierce. McCord continued to impress in practice but was ultimately passed over for Devin Brown to lead the team during the 2023 season. The lack of a clear-cut starting role, combined with his own goals for more playing time, led McCord to contemplate his future at Ohio State.
The Transfer Decision
Despite his impressive credentials and skill set, McCord found himself in a difficult situation at Ohio State. Playing behind Stroud for a few years meant he wasn’t able to develop as a starter in meaningful games. This can be frustrating for any quarterback eager to showcase their abilities. While Ryan Day and the coaching staff were certainly high on McCord, the presence of another talented quarterback in Devin Brown meant that McCord faced another year of waiting for his chance.
Ultimately, after much deliberation, McCord made the decision to transfer out of Ohio State, seeking a fresh start at a program where he could immediately compete for the starting job. The transfer portal, which has become a common avenue for college athletes in recent years, provided McCord with an opportunity to find a new home and continue his development as a quarterback.
While the decision wasn’t an easy one for McCord, it was clear that he wanted to take control of his own destiny. Rather than waiting in the wings for another season at Ohio State, McCord was determined to seek a program where he could step in and make an immediate impact. He ultimately found a new home at a university that provided not only the opportunity to start right away but also a program that had the infrastructure to support his growth as a quarterback.
McCord’s New Home: The Transfer to a New Team
After entering the transfer portal, McCord received offers from several prominent college football programs. The allure of being a starting quarterback at a school with a strong football tradition and a commitment to developing talent drew McCord to several options. After weighing his options carefully, McCord committed to playing for the Virginia Tech Hokies, a program known for its historic success and passionate fan base.
Virginia Tech, under head coach Brent Pry, had been building momentum after a few years of rebuilding, and McCord saw an opportunity to not only start right away but also lead a team that was looking to return to the top of the ACC. The Hokies’ offense had been underperforming in recent seasons, and McCord believed that he could be the catalyst for a resurgence. The team, with its mix of returning talent and new recruits, offered McCord a chance to be the face of the offense and make his mark on the program.
The transition wasn’t without its challenges, though. Moving to a new team meant getting acclimated to a new system, learning a new playbook, and developing chemistry with a new group of teammates. McCord was quick to embrace his new environment, putting in the necessary work to ensure he would be ready for the upcoming season. As the spring practices rolled around, McCord had the opportunity to lead the Hokies’ offense, and it didn’t take long for fans and coaches alike to see the level of talent he brought to the field.
Opening Up About the Transfer
In an exclusive interview, McCord opened up about his decision to transfer and how he was adjusting to life at Virginia Tech. For McCord, it wasn’t an easy choice to leave Ohio State, a program with such a storied history and one that had given him so much opportunity. But he knew that he needed to make the move for his own growth as a player and a person.
“Leaving Ohio State was probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my life. I love that program, and I’m so grateful for everything it gave me,” McCord said. “But ultimately, I needed to make a decision that was best for my career. I want to play, and I want to grow, and sometimes that means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing a new challenge.”
McCord also touched on the challenges of transitioning to a new program, noting the differences in the coaching staff, playbook, and team culture. “Every team is different, and coming here has been an eye-opening experience. It’s been great to get to know my new teammates, the coaches, and how they operate. It’s a fresh start for me, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
One of the key factors in McCord’s decision to transfer was the opportunity to be a leader from day one. While Ohio State certainly presented a strong offensive unit and had talented players, McCord found it difficult to carve out a role as a backup quarterback. At Virginia Tech, McCord has already started taking on a leadership role, organizing team meetings, and getting to know his offensive line and wide receivers.
“I’ve always prided myself on being a leader. That’s what I want to do here—to lead this team to victories and take ownership of the offense,” McCord said. “I’ve got a great group of guys around me, and we’ve been building a lot of chemistry in spring ball. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead.”
McCord’s Goals for the Future
As McCord reflects on his journey so far, he remains focused on the future. The 2025 season at Virginia Tech represents an opportunity for McCord to prove himself, not just as a starting quarterback, but as a player capable of leading a team to success. He knows that college football can be unpredictable, but his mindset is one of confidence and determination.
“My goal is simple: to win. I want to win games, lead this team to championships, and help Virginia Tech get back to the top of the ACC. I’ve always believed that I have the skills and work ethic to succeed at the highest level, and I’m ready to show that,” McCord explained.
Additionally, McCord is keeping a keen eye on his long-term goals. As he navigates his college football career, McCord remains focused on reaching the NFL. He understands the importance of proving himself at the college level, and he’s willing to put in the hard work necessary to make that a reality. With a powerful arm, excellent decision-making, and the ability to move in the pocket, McCord believes that his time at Virginia Tech will help him develop into an NFL-caliber quarterback.
A New Chapter for Kyle McCord
Kyle McCord’s transfer to Virginia Tech marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his football career. Leaving behind the storied program of Ohio State was a difficult decision, but it was one that McCord felt was necessary for his growth and future success. As the starting quarterback at Virginia Tech, McCord is poised to take on a leadership role and help revitalize the Hokies’ offense.
The journey from high school to Ohio State and now to Virginia Tech is just the beginning for McCord. He has the talent, work ethic, and determination to make an impact at his new school and beyond. Whether it’s leading Virginia Tech to a successful season or chasing his NFL dreams, Kyle McCord is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead, and his story is far from over. Fans of college football, especially those watching the Hokies, will be following McCord’s journey closely as he looks to make his mark in a new environment and continue his rise to prominence in the sport.
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