Kyle McCord’s journey is one of dual homes and familiar echoes. He arrived at Ohio State in 2021 within the first four months of Day’s tenure with all the fanfare expected of a blue-chip QB. He earned the starting job by 2023. But despite leading the Buckeyes to an 11-0 start, the narrative shifted fast after a narrow loss (30-23) to Michigan. Suddenly, the spotlight grew harsh.

In college football, things change quickly. And although McCord did not think about shifting to another program, a week after that loss, he eventually entered the transfer portal. “When you pour three years of blood, sweat and tears into a program and you create a lot of great relationships there with players and the coaching staff and the support staff … it wasn’t an easy decision to leave,” McCord had said. However, in reality, the move benefitted both.

Syracuse grabbed McCord, who led them to their first 10-win season since 2018, throwing for 4,779 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 12 picks. On the other hand, OSU landed Will Howard and became the National Champion. The sad part is, McCord could also have been part of it. But he claims that there is no bad blood between them. In fact, he says that he cheered for his former program through the entire season. But one thing that McCord accepts is that he could have played better football during the 2023 season.

“I’ll be the first person to admit I didn’t play my best football at Ohio State and I knew that,” he says. His performance with the Ornagemen is proof enough that he has corrected those mistakes. But looks like deep down under, it hurts him that he could not make those corrections while remaining in Ohio State. McCord’s words in a latest conversation was a clear indication to that.

“Yes, I know. I mean, I definitely have, you know, a lot of great memories there for sure,” McCord said in a 1-on-1 sit-down with The State of Orange. “But I mean, I do, I do feel like I had unfinished business there. And so, you know, not getting that opportunity to go back…”

But he does not linger in regret. He has embraced Syracuse, and with it came the degree, the reps, and a fresh start. “People will say a lot of different things about it, and so,” he continued. “But I mean, I definitely think that Syracuse is home now, and got my degree from Syracuse too, which I think is another key part of that equation.” Still, the Ohio State bond runs deep.

“Like when I went to the combine, like seeing all those guys was awesome. And so, like I said, like if I could, you know, go and do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.” His voice isn’t bitter—it’s reflective. Like a player who understands the business, the emotion, and the duality of college football’s path. He didn’t just adjust—he elevated himself at Syracuse. The arm talent flashed, the decision-making sharpened, and his ability to lead a less star-studded cast put evaluators back on notice, making his way to an NFL future that looks bright.

McCord’s NFL picture is starting to form, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are the first concrete shape in the fog. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the former Buckeye and Orange quarterback will visit the $5.3 billion franchise next week. With only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on the depth chart, Pittsburgh’s QB room looks like a door left cracked open.

The front office has eyes on Aaron Rodgers as Plan A, but even if that blockbuster lands, it wouldn’t prevent them from developing a future option in-house. Shedeur Sanders is also in the mix and visiting the team this week, but for a franchise that has long loved tough, poised, traditional passers, McCord’s profile checks a few boxes.

No one’s mistaking Kyle McCord for a top-10 lock, but he’s a high-IQ signal-caller who can read leverage, process coverages, and throw with anticipation. He’s also not afraid of mistakes—something he pointed out in his own analysis. It’s part of his wiring. GMs love clean traits and upside, and McCord offers just enough of both.

He’s not a high-wire athlete, but he slides in the pocket well and plays within the structure. In an NFL trending back toward quick-game precision and layered throws, there’s a place for his game to grow. He may not be the crown jewel of this draft, but in the right room, he could quietly become one of its better investments.

Kyle McCord + Steelers? Sounds like a match made in Steel City

Could Kyle McCord be the next quarterback to wear black and gold? Don’t rule it out. While the Steelers have kicked the tires on big names like Rodgers, it looks like they’re seriously exploring their options in the NFL Draft—especially under center.

The latest buzz? According to reports, the Steelers are bringing in Cuse QB Kyle McCord for a visit. Adding him to the growing list of passer prospects they’ve evaluated. Sure, McCord isn’t getting Day 1 draft hype, but he’s gaining traction as a solid mid-round gem, and that’s where Pittsburgh might pounce.

ESPN draft guru Jordan Reid is totally buying the fit. “I look at Pittsburgh, I think the Steelers have a huge need for a quarterback, whether it’s an early round or a mid-round guy,” Reid said recently on Syracuse Orange Sports’ YouTube channel. “He definitely fits into that situation.”

Reid even threw out some other teams—like the Cowboys, Dolphins, and Jets—but emphasized, “The Steelers are one team I definitely think he fits on.” It just might click like clockwork.