The move by Kyle McCord to leave Ohio State surprised more people than just sports commentators nationwide.
Josh Fryer, an offensive lineman, said he learned about the transfer from social media. Donovan Jackson, an offensive lineman, has also done so.
But neither is unhappy with McCord’s decision to quit the team prior to Ohio State’s game against Missouri State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. Remaining in Columbus was not in McCord’s cards, and players have to act in the best interests of their future selves.
“He simply made the best decision for himself,” Jackson said to the press. “Man, he’s my brother, you know. Anywhere he goes, I’m proud of him. I’ll back him no matter where he decides to go, dude.
McCord, who threw for over 3,100 yards and helped the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record, will consider his options. He has the option to rejoin the team if head coach Ryan Day gives him a position on the roster, or he can decide to become a cornerstone for a different team hoping to compete in the upcoming postseason expansion of college football.
A few players were aware of McCord’s decision to quit the team after last month’s 30-24 loss to No. 1 Michigan in Ann Arbour. McCord extended the losing streak to three games against the Wolverines by throwing two costly interceptions, one of which came on the last drive that resulted in a six-point victory for the Wolverines.
The way he was handled following those games made me feel awful for him, defensive lineman Jack Sawyer said. And it wasn’t fair, in my opinion. I am aware that the quarterback at Ohio State is expected to win games. Furthermore, I don’t believe that our loss to Ann Arbour was at all his fault.
I adore Kyle unconditionally and hope for the best for him. Furthermore, I felt that the way he concluded his tenure here was regrettable.
Receiver Emeka Egbuka didn’t hold back when talking about the criticism McCord has received this season. Despite this, the junior led the Buckeyes to victories over Notre Dame and Penn State in the top 10 while throwing 24 touchdowns against just six interceptions.
In Columbus, Sawyer stated, all eyes are on the quarterback, particularly considering the tenures of CJ Stroud and Justin Fields. Stroud, a two-time Heisman finalist, guided Ohio State to a 2022 College Football Playoff appearance and a Peach Bowl near-victory over eventual national champion Georgia.
Fields, who was selected first overall and was a fellow Heisman finalist, guided the Ohio State Buckeyes to the Big Ten championship and a berth in the national championship game against Alabama in 2020’s COVID-19 season.
You are responsible for passing for 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns. Sawyer stated, “There is a great deal of pressure, particularly when you’re a first-time starter and have been playing on a poor wheel for the entire season. However, you’ve handled the situation like a pro, just as he did throughout the season.” “You know, it’s simply difficult to see. I feel terrible for him as a friend and as a teammate.”
Questions encircling the Buckeyes’ quarterback room heading into a new era of the Big Ten. The conference expands to 18 teams with the arrival of the four Pac-12 institutions, but will the quarterback room in Columbus add a proven name to compete for the starting job?
Devin Brown, who competed with McCord for the starting position through fall camp, will now get first-team reps heading into Cotton Bowl practise. Freshman Lincoln Kienholz could also see action at AT&T Stadium to give Day an idea of what’s to come in 2024.
Egbuka, who will play and could return for another season, said McCord will be missed, as will the other 13 players who have entered the portal since the regular-season finale. The focus, however, needs to be on securing a win over a Tigers’ roster that significantly exceeded expectations in Columbia this fall.
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Egbuka stated, “It’s always the next man forward mindset.” The wide receivers certainly don’t really have a lot of influence over who starts at quarterback; that decision will be made by the coaching staff. However, we are confident in the person behind them to finish the work.