How Ryan Day relationship, conversations played a factor in Kyle McCord entering the portal

Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord wasted no time entering his name in the transfer portal when it opened on Monday. Although it may have come as a shock initially to most people, it’s starting to become clear exactly what led into that decision.

Asked directly whether McCord would remain the starter in 2024 after leading the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record, coach Ryan Day admitted the team was “a long way” from making that decision. McCord made the choice an easy one for Day as he entered the portal the very next day.

Speaking with On3‘s Andy Staples on Tuesday, Spencer Holbrook of Lettermen Row explained how McCord simply couldn’t afford to risk the uncertainty.

“Ears started to perk up on Sunday when Ryan Day was noncommittal to Kyle McCord as the 2024 starter, making sure that he kind of kept that open for a competition,” Holbrook said. “Kyle McCord has one year of eligibility remaining, so it’s not a situation where he can afford to go in and compete for the job and potentially not win it. He’d have to sit out and redshirt and then go another year. He’s got one more year to get to the NFL.

“Ryan Day has a pivotal season coming up next year. He can’t just guarantee the job to somebody if he’s not 100% sure than he’s gonna be the best option for Ohio State moving forward. I think this is a mutual understanding that maybe it’s time for a fresh start. Kyle needs to play and needs to be the starter somewhere, that just couldn’t be guaranteed to him at Ohio State.”

From outside the program, it may seem odd why Day was unwilling to commit to McCord as his starting quarterback. After all, he got the Buckeyes to a New Year’s Six Bowl while throwing for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.

However, many believe McCord could have done more with the weapons at his disposal, including Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. The Ohio State offense went from ranking second in points per game in 2022 to just 33rd this season.

A loss against Michigan for the third straight season seemed to be the final nail in the coffin for McCord’s future with the Buckeyes. Ohio State had a chance to potentially score the game-winning touchdown before the quarterback threw his second interception of the day with under a minute to go.

Had that drive gone differently, the Buckeyes would be in the College Football Playoff at the moment and McCord would be preparing to attempt to lead the to a national title.

“It’s life at Ohio State,” Holbrook explained. “Everyone else looks at this and says, ’11-1.’ You were 37 yards away in the final seconds against Michigan from winning the Big Ten and being the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. The difference between being the No. 1 seed and going to the Cotton Bowl for a consolation prize and your quarterback leaving was 37 yards. The margins are way too fine for Ohio State to sit back and be comfortable with anything. Ryan Day talked about the progress Kyle McCord had made, but still wanted to see more from him. He talked about it all season.

“Sunday, it all kind of came to a head when he was asked straight up, ‘is Kyle McCord your starter for 2024?’ That noncommittal answer really started to get some people’s ears perked up and you kind of wondered if something was coming. It’s still a pretty big shock to the system when your 66% completion percentage quarterback who just led you to an 11-1 record and so close to the College Football Playoff decides he’s ready for a new chapter and now you’ve gotta go find your new quarterback.”

It seems the decision for Kyle McCord to transfer is one that could benefit both he and Ohio State. Now he’ll look for a place where he can make the most of his final season and the Buckeyes can start putting together a plan for a new QB in 2024.