Kyle McCord Transferring: Here's Who Could Become Ohio State's Next Quarterback

Kyle McCord, Ohio State's promising quarterback, has entered the transfer portal, leaving the Buckeyes searching for their next signal-caller.

McCord, a five-star recruit from St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia, had patiently bided his time before earning the starting role this year. With his departure, the spotlight now falls on potential successors, and the upcoming Cotton Bowl against Missouri may serve as a platform for one quarterback to stake their claim for the 2024 season.

Here are a few possible contenders:

Devin Brown

The frontrunner for the starting position, Brown engaged in a fierce competition with McCord, showcasing his prowess both as a passer and a dual-threat quarterback with superior running ability.

Despite being used sparingly, Brown's leadership qualities and charisma make him a natural fit. With 72 snaps this season, he has demonstrated both passing accuracy and an ability to lead, marking him as a strong contender for the starting role in the Cotton Bowl and beyond.

Lincoln Kienholz

A true freshman from South Dakota, Kienholz has impressed in practice, earning praise from teammates and Coach Ryan Day. Despite limited playing time, his quick progress and composure on the field make him an intriguing candidate. While he may be considered an underdog compared to Brown, Kienholz's promising skills could turn the competition into a true battle for the starting spot.

Air Noland

A left-handed five-star recruit from Georgia, Noland is recognized for his quick release, strong arm, and accuracy.

Standing at 6-3 and 195 pounds, Noland brings a different skill set to the table. While he may be a freshman, Noland's potential to contribute immediately places him in the mix for the starting quarterback position.

Transfer Portal Candidates

With Coach Day expressing some reservations about the transfer portal during a recent press conference, the unexpected departure of McCord could prompt reconsideration.

Notable names in the portal include Cam Ward from Washington State, DJ Uigalelei from Oregon State, Will Howard from Kansas State, and Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina. Each brings a unique set of skills and experiences, potentially offering a quick solution to Ohio State's quarterback dilemma.

As Ohio State navigates this unexpected shift in their quarterback landscape, the Cotton Bowl becomes not just a game but a stage for aspiring quarterbacks to showcase their talents and make a case for leading the Buckeyes into the 2024 season.

The competition is fierce, and Buckeye fans eagerly await the emergence of the next quarterback to carry the torch for this storied football program.

FAQs

Q1. Why does Devin Brown wear 33?
A1. Brown wears 33 in honor of former Washington NFL quarterback Sammy Baugh, a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Q2. What is Kyle McCord known for?
A2. McCord is known for starting all 12 games for the Buckeyes this season. He completed 65.8 percent of his passes and tallied 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions in an inconsistent season.