Kyle McCord transfers to Syracuse after year as Ohio State's QB1 - ESPN

Former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord told ESPN that he committed to Syracuse, pointing to the collection of talent new coach Fran Brown is gathering.

McCord was one of the top quarterbacks available in the transfer portal, leaving Ohio State after going 11-1 as a starter this season and 12-1 over his three-year career there. He finished this season with 24 touchdown passes and six interceptions while completing 65.8% of his passes.

He is immediately eligible and will have one year of eligibility remaining. His signing is a coup for Syracuse, giving the Orange a linchpin for Brown to build around in his first season.

McCord is the highest-ranked player — No. 31 in the Class of 2021 rankings — to commit to Syracuse since ESPN began recording recruiting rankings in 2006, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

McCord has deep ties to the Syracuse staff. He grew up in New Jersey and has known both Brown and quarterbacks coach Nunzio Campanile for a decade. He also has deep ties to Jeff Nixon, the expected hire at offensive coordinator who is finishing the season as the New York Giants' running backs coach.

«I think the experience on the coaching staff is extremely important,» McCord told ESPN. «It was a big factor in my decision. Just being at a place where I can be surrounded with good players. They've done some good things on the portal trail, bringing in some guys from Georgia and other places. All of that, when you combine it, makes it an appealing destination.»

His faith is rooted in Brown, who replaced Dino Babers. McCord has lauded Syracuse's early work in the transfer portal to upgrade its talent.

«What Coach Fran has been able to do in the last few weeks since becoming head coach, it speaks volumes,» McCord