Kyle McCord: A Journey from Ohio State to the NFL

In the world of football, a player’s journey to the NFL is rarely linear. Some players are able to breeze through college football with exceptional performances, making it to the pros with ease. Others may face bumps along the road, sometimes needing a bit more time to prove their worth before getting their shot. Kyle McCord, a former quarterback for Ohio State, falls into the latter category.

Early Years and High School Career

Kyle McCord was born in 2002 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Growing up, McCord always had a strong connection to sports, especially football. From a young age, it was clear that McCord had the size, talent, and athleticism to succeed at the next level. As a high school player at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, McCord showed flashes of brilliance, setting the stage for a future in college football.

During his high school career, McCord quickly became one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the nation. He was consistently praised for his accuracy, arm strength, and football IQ. By the time he left St. Joseph’s Prep, McCord had thrown for over 6,000 yards and 85 touchdowns, leading his team to multiple state championships.

Commitment to Ohio State

McCord’s standout high school career attracted the attention of many top college football programs. However, in 2020, he committed to Ohio State, a program that has long been known for developing elite quarterbacks. The move to Ohio State was a natural one for McCord, as the Buckeyes have been a powerhouse in the Big Ten and regularly compete for national championships.

In choosing Ohio State, McCord joined a program that already had a history of turning talented quarterbacks into NFL prospects. Players like Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and Troy Smith have all worn the Ohio State uniform and gone on to have successful NFL careers. It was a move that set McCord up for success, and he hoped to continue the program’s storied tradition of elite quarterbacks.

Early College Career and Development

McCord’s early years at Ohio State were filled with promise, but like many young quarterbacks, he was forced to wait for his opportunity to take the reins of the offense. McCord spent his first year with the Buckeyes primarily as a backup, behind Justin Fields, who was one of the top quarterbacks in college football at the time. While it was frustrating for McCord not to play much, he knew that it was an important period of growth.

During his redshirt freshman year, McCord was able to learn from one of the best quarterbacks in college football. Fields, a future NFL first-round pick, had an exceptional understanding of the game, and McCord was able to pick up nuances of the position that would help him down the road. While McCord didn’t see significant playing time during the 2021 season, he was able to hone his craft in practice, and many coaches noted his growing confidence and ability to read defenses.

In 2022, McCord finally got his shot to start after Fields left for the NFL. He was part of the Ohio State offense that continued to showcase its high-powered attack under head coach Ryan Day. Although McCord faced challenges in his first year as the starter, he demonstrated enough to show that he was capable of leading the Buckeyes.

The 2022 and 2023 Seasons

The 2022 and 2023 seasons were pivotal for McCord, as he needed to show that he could step into the leadership role and produce at a high level. The Buckeyes’ offense was loaded with talent, including standout receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. McCord, however, had to prove that he could elevate the offense even without the level of experience that some of the other quarterbacks in the conference had.

Despite the pressure, McCord showed significant growth during his time as the starting quarterback. He displayed a strong arm, capable of making all the throws needed at the next level. His accuracy, while inconsistent at times, was mostly on point, and he had the ability to stretch the field with deep throws. Over his two years as Ohio State’s starter, McCord passed for over 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns, while also showing an ability to read defenses and make quick decisions.

However, McCord’s play was not without its challenges. He sometimes struggled with pressure situations and had difficulties against top-tier defenses. In particular, Ohio State’s losses to Michigan in 2022 and 2023, as well as their narrow victories in other high-profile games, raised questions about his ability to perform under pressure. Still, McCord’s overall numbers were impressive, and his ability to lead the team in some of its biggest moments left scouts intrigued.

McCord’s Strengths and Weaknesses

One of McCord’s greatest strengths is his arm strength. He has the ability to make throws to all areas of the field, whether it’s short, intermediate, or deep passes. McCord’s deep ball is one of his most attractive traits. He can hit his receivers in stride, allowing them to make plays after the catch. This trait would be particularly valuable at the NFL level, where deep passing is such a critical part of the game.

Another strength McCord possesses is his football IQ. He’s been praised for his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. His time at Ohio State, where he was tutored by one of the best coaching staffs in college football, has made him a better player in terms of understanding defensive schemes and how to exploit them.

However, McCord does have weaknesses. One of the major areas for improvement is his consistency. While McCord has shown flashes of brilliance, his performance can sometimes be uneven. There are games where he will struggle with accuracy or decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations. McCord’s ability to handle defensive pressure has also been called into question, and he’ll need to improve his pocket awareness to succeed at the next level.

Another area for improvement is McCord’s mobility. While he is athletic enough to avoid sacks and extend plays, he does not have the same level of mobility as some of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. This means that McCord will need to focus on refining his skills as a pocket passer to be successful at the next level.

The Steelers Visit: What Does it Mean?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been one of the most stable and successful franchises in the NFL. Over the years, the Steelers have consistently been a contender in the AFC, thanks to their strong defense, solid running game, and reliable quarterback play. In recent years, the Steelers have gone through some transitions at the quarterback position, particularly with the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. While the team has brought in veteran quarterbacks, including Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett, there are still questions about the future of the position.

This is where Kyle McCord’s visit to Pittsburgh becomes significant. The Steelers have made it clear that they are looking to find the right quarterback for the future. While Pickett showed promise during his rookie season, there are still questions about his long-term potential. McCord’s visit to Pittsburgh signals that the Steelers are exploring all options as they look to solidify their quarterback room.

For McCord, the visit is a huge opportunity to showcase his skills in front of one of the most respected coaching staffs in the NFL. Pittsburgh’s scouting department has an excellent track record of identifying quarterback talent, and McCord will have the chance to prove that he has what it takes to succeed in the NFL.

How McCord Fits with the Steelers

If McCord is drafted by the Steelers, he could be a good fit for their system. Pittsburgh has historically relied on strong, stable quarterbacks who can manage the game and take advantage of opportunities when they arise. McCord’s arm strength and ability to make all the necessary throws would make him a good fit in Pittsburgh’s offense, which features a strong running game and a need for a quarterback who can stretch the field vertically.

Moreover, McCord’s football IQ would make him a good match for Pittsburgh’s well-coached system. The Steelers are known for their emphasis on defense and field position, meaning that they need a quarterback who can take care of the ball and make smart decisions. McCord has shown that he can be effective in those situations.

However, there is still some uncertainty about McCord’s ability to thrive in the NFL. His tendency to struggle with consistency and pressure situations could be a concern for the Steelers. But with the right coaching and time to develop, McCord could be an excellent option for the Steelers as they plan for the future.

Kyle McCord’s visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers is a pivotal moment in both his career and the Steelers’ search for a future franchise quarterback. McCord has shown a lot of promise throughout his college career, and his visit to Pittsburgh could be an important step in his journey to the NFL. The Steelers will need to weigh his strengths and weaknesses carefully as they decide whether to invest in McCord as their next quarterback. If they do, McCord could find success in Pittsburgh, continuing the tradition of elite quarterbacks for one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. Whether or not McCord becomes the Steelers’ next great quarterback remains to be seen, but his visit to the team is undoubtedly a sign of the possibilities that lie ahead.