Who is Kyle McCord? Dolphins quarterback set for NFL debut after Malik Willis lands on injured reserve

Kyle McCord, the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback, is set to make his NFL debut as a starter after Malik Willis was put on injured reserve due to a groin injury. This 24-year-old has never thrown a pass in an NFL regular-season game and is likely to lead Miami against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday (November 15). With the Dolphins struggling at 1-7, McCord suddenly finds himself facing the biggest challenge of his professional career. The former Syracuse standout now has an opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.

WHO IS KYLE MCCORD? DOLPHINS QUARTERBACK'S JOURNEY

Kyle McCord is an American 24-year-old quarterback who has played college football for Ohio State and Syracuse. Kyle was born in New Jersey and went to St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia before joining Ohio State University.

The former Buckeye, who spent his formative years at Ohio State University as the backup to CJ Stroud, went on to become the starting quarterback of the team in 2023 and helped the Buckeyes finish 11-1.

He then moved to Syracuse, where he had an exceptional 2024 season. McCord was the leading passer in the country with 4,779 passing yards and 34 touchdown passes, making him one of the most prolific quarterbacks in college football.



McCord was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He subsequently joined the Green Bay Packers before getting traded to Miami prior to the 2026 season.

Although he is yet to play a game in the NFL regular season, McCord had impressive preseason performances. While playing for Green Bay, he threw 46 of 70 passes with 446 yards, with 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.

WHY WAS MALIK WILLIS PLACED ON IR? WHEN WILL HE RETURN?

According to NFL.com, Miami placed Willis on injured reserve Tuesday as a result of the groin injury he was dealing with getting worse as he played against the Detroit Lions in Week 9 of the season.

Willis has completed 58.2% of his throws in the current season with six touchdowns and six interceptions. He has also managed to rush for 232 yards and three touchdowns.

Injured Willis will be out for at least four games, which include matches against the Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Denver Broncos. Willis can come back as early as December 13 against the Chicago Bears.

Meanwhile, McCord will be expected to run the offense for Miami, with Brady Cook, who is on the practice squad as a quarterback, being his likely backup.

However, for McCord, Sunday's game is not just a regular appearance in the NFL but rather the time he can prove that he is capable of being a starter.