Athlon Sports’ daily newsletter sheds light on some intriguing developments in college football following the release of the 2024 Heisman Trophy voting. Although he didn’t win, a surprising name managed to sneak into the top 10 of the Heisman ballot: Kyle McCord. This achievement raised plenty of eyebrows, considering McCord’s performance during his one season at Syracuse.
Kyle McCord had an exceptional year at Syracuse, throwing for a nation-leading 4,326 yards in the 2024 season. His impressive stats included 367 completions out of 558 attempts, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. This stellar performance earned him a spot in the Heisman voting, finishing in 10th place after the announcement of the Heisman’s sixth through 10th-ranked players. McCord’s rise to national attention was particularly notable because he was the quarterback for Ohio State in 2023 before transferring to Syracuse.
During his time at Ohio State, McCord threw for 3,170 yards across 12 games, completing 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. However, his time with the Buckeyes was marred by an unsatisfactory performance in the crucial game against Michigan in 2023. McCord failed to deliver in that high-stakes game, throwing two interceptions, even as he managed to throw for two touchdowns. This loss to Michigan, a decisive factor in Ohio State’s playoff chances, led to McCord being blamed for the defeat. Following this, he transferred to Syracuse, where he immediately shone with his remarkable performances.
In contrast, Ohio State’s new quarterback, Will Howard, who was signed from Kansas State to replace McCord, faced his own struggles. Despite the presence of several talented offensive players at Ohio State, Howard had a difficult season, finishing with 2,860 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Most notably, he led the Buckeyes to a lackluster performance in the highly anticipated Michigan game, where Ohio State scored just 10 points and Howard threw two interceptions. This disappointing loss not only dashed Ohio State’s hopes for a spot in the Big Ten Championship but also cost them a top seed in the College Football Playoff. The Ohio State offense was sluggish, and Howard’s inability to deliver in these crucial moments drew considerable criticism from both fans and analysts.
The juxtaposition of McCord’s success and Howard’s struggles has led to some tension among Ohio State fans. With McCord’s remarkable turnaround at Syracuse, placing him in the Heisman voting top 10, many Buckeyes supporters couldn’t help but express frustration over how their program had moved on from him. They pointed to Howard’s underwhelming performance and the team’s inability to defeat Michigan as further reasons to feel disillusioned about the quarterback change.
Despite the setbacks, Ohio State’s season is far from over. The introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff format offers the Buckeyes a path to redemption, even after a disappointing loss to Michigan. While they may have missed out on a chance at the Big Ten Championship, Ohio State still has the opportunity to compete in the playoff. Howard and the Buckeyes will aim to make the most of this second chance and prove their worth, hoping to capitalize on the new playoff structure.
Meanwhile, McCord’s new team, Syracuse, has also enjoyed a successful season. The Orange finished with a 9-3 record, earning a spot in the Holiday Bowl against Washington State on December 27. McCord’s remarkable individual performance this season has made Syracuse a team to watch, with fans eagerly anticipating the Holiday Bowl to see how the quarterback can continue to elevate his game.
The contrasting fortunes of McCord and Howard reflect the unpredictable nature of college football and the intense scrutiny placed on quarterbacks, especially in high-profile programs like Ohio State. The story of McCord’s rise after his departure from Ohio State and Howard’s struggles in his first year with the Buckeyes will continue to be a point of discussion as the season progresses. For Ohio State, the opportunity for redemption is still alive, but much depends on how well Howard can bounce back in the playoff and prove that he is capable of leading the team to greater success.
Ultimately, McCord’s Heisman recognition serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college football, and how players can rise to prominence in unexpected ways. It also serves as a cautionary tale for programs like Ohio State, where high expectations can lead to swift changes, and where decisions made in the heat of a single season can have lasting consequences. For now, fans of both Ohio State and Syracuse are left to reflect on the season so far and eagerly await the next chapter in this unfolding story.
