Kyle McCord brings winning mindset to Syracuse football

Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord brings a winning mindset to the Orange as he prepares to lead the offense in 2024.

As Syracuse Orange football wraps up the dog days of summer camp, the anticipation is building. With only 12 days until their season-opening clash against Ohio in the Dome, the focus is shifting to how this team will unify and execute across the board.

This season, it is up to Kyle McCord to steer the team toward a winning culture. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound, four-star transfer from Ohio State is playing his final year of eligibility and brings with him not just talent, but also the expectation of elevating Syracuse football to new heights. McCord, who was recently named to the Unitas Golden Arm Award preseason watch list, is one of 13 ACC quarterbacks to earn this distinction. It's the fourth preseason awards watch list that has included McCord, a collection that also includes the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and Davey O'Brien Award. His accolades from last season in the Big Ten speak volumes: third-team all-conference, 3,200 yards, 24 touchdowns, six interceptions, and an impressive nearly 66% completion rate. These stats place him firmly among the top 10 quarterbacks in the country, setting high expectations for him to secure an All-ACC honor. 

Looking back on his time at Ohio State, McCord discussed how the intense focus on winning shaped his approach to the game.

"I think you really start to, like, you get a sense of it, you know, when you're the backup, watching what CJ went through. Like his second game against Oregon, he passed for like, 400 yards. We ended up losing by a touchdown, and it was like the end of the world there. And so, I kind of realized it right away that no matter what you do, winning is priority number one. And that's something I've brought with me here—knowing that the only thing that matters is the product you put on the field," McCord said. 

With only three slots available for quarterbacks on the All-ACC team, McCord faces stiff competition. Miami's Cam Ward, a preseason All-ACC selection, is expected to claim one of those spots. Haynes King from Georgia Tech is another strong contender, having narrowly missed out on the all-conference team last season. Not to mention the likes of Kyron Drones at Virginia Tech, DJ Uiagalelei at Florida State, and Cade Klubnik at Clemson.

While McCord's talent is undeniable, there are other standout players on this Syracuse squad who might have an even better shot at All-ACC honors—names like Oronde Gadsden and Marlowe Wax, who have already established themselves as some of the best in the conference.

When asked about the pressure of living up to these expectations and how he manages the noise surrounding the preseason watchlists, McCord offered a glimpse into his mindset.

"I think that if we win, that means I'm doing my job. All the other stuff—the stats, the awards—will take care of itself if we're stacking wins," he said.

It is clear that while McCord is poised for a breakout year, there are still aspects of his game that remain under scrutiny.

One area of concern is McCord's mobility. As a true pocket quarterback, he's shown his strength and consistency in practice, with a string of positive, productive pass plays throughout camp. However, his lack of mobility, particularly in red zone situations, is something that could be tested this season—McCord has yet to record a rushing touchdown in his career. 

Reflecting on last season's challenges, McCord was candid about the difficulties he faced and the steps he's taken to improve.

"Last year, you know, with two messed-up ankles, it kind of hinders your ability a little bit. And, you know, there were times last year I felt like I wanted to run, but you're just not super confident that you can get it going. So, I think, one, being healthy has helped. Two, I think that the strength and conditioning program here has been great. I feel like this is the best my body's been since I've been in college, just in terms of my strength and my speed. I feel like I'm at a really good point right now," he said.

McCord emphasized the importance of studying film to identify opportunities for improvement.

"Three, just studying, you know, myself from last season, studying areas where, you know, I think there were opportunities for me to go out and make a play with my feet, or extend a play, or whatever the case may be, and just being more conscious of it," McCord said. 

McCord also reflected how his time at Ohio State prepared him for the challenges he might face this season at Syracuse.

"I feel like what I went through in my three years there, especially last year, was really good for me and my career, to go through something like that early on," he said. "Playing quarterback at Ohio State is like being in the spotlight of college football. It wasn't the picture-perfect ending, but I learned a lot of good lessons and gained valuable experience. I think, more than anything, I'm trying to use that experience to help me now. I don't think there's a situation I'll face this season that I haven't already encountered during my time at Ohio State."

The good news for McCord is that the depth and talent of Syracuse's offensive line this year is significantly improved. The Orange boasts 20 offensive linemen this season, up from 17 last year and 16 in 2022, including four transfers, four scholarship freshmen, and one walk-on. With seven returning players from last year's depth chart, including three of five starters, McCord should have the protection he needs to succeed.

However, it's worth noting that the Syracuse offensive line was the lowest-graded unit by Pro Football Focus (PFF) in the ACC last season and ranked 15th out of 17 ACC teams in quarterback pressures allowed. While the roster has been bolstered, this unit will need to step up and overcome last year's challenges to give McCord the best chance to stay healthy and lead this team to victory.

As the season opener approaches, Kyle McCord's experiences from Ohio State and his commitment to improving his mobility give Syracuse fans plenty of reasons for optimism. While the challenges ahead are real, McCord's decision-making skills and determination to enhance his game, combined with the support of a bolstered offensive line, position him to make a significant impact. This season, McCord has the potential to elevate the Orange to new heights, and while the road won't be easy, he's more than prepared to lead the way.