McCord Emerges as Frontrunner in Syracuse QB Battle

Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, July 31st 2025 at 18:09 GMT by Sporting News
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It's a battle between Rickie Collins and Steve Angeli.

Syracuse Football: Ohio State Transfer Kyle McCord Emerges as Early Leader in Pivotal Quarterback Battle

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, where transfers and coaching changes can reshape a program's destiny overnight, the Syracuse Orange find themselves at a critical juncture. Under the guidance of new head coach Fran Brown, who brings a fresh vision and recruiting prowess from his time at Georgia, the team is navigating a high-stakes quarterback competition that could define their 2024 season. As spring practices unfold, one name has risen above the fray: Kyle McCord, the talented transfer from Ohio State, who appears to be establishing himself as the frontrunner in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle for the starting role.

The quarterback position at Syracuse has been a point of instability in recent years, plagued by inconsistency and injuries that have hampered the team's offensive output. Last season, the Orange relied heavily on Garrett Shrader, a dual-threat signal-caller whose grit and mobility carried the team through ups and downs. However, Shrader's departure to the NFL Draft left a void, prompting Brown and his staff to seek reinforcements through the transfer portal—a strategy that has become indispensable in modern college football. Enter McCord, a former four-star recruit who spent three seasons with the Buckeyes, including a starting stint in 2023 where he threw for over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. His decision to transfer was influenced by Ohio State's pursuit of other high-profile quarterbacks, but for Syracuse, McCord represents a potential game-changer with his arm strength, accuracy, and experience in big-game scenarios.

From the outset of spring ball, McCord has impressed observers with his command of the offense and poise under pressure. Reports from practices indicate that he has quickly adapted to offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon's scheme, which emphasizes a pro-style passing attack blended with elements of the run-pass option (RPO) to exploit defensive weaknesses. Nixon, who previously worked with quarterbacks like Cam Newton during his NFL tenure, has praised McCord's quick release and decision-making, qualities that could elevate Syracuse's passing game to new heights. In scrimmages, McCord has demonstrated an ability to connect on deep balls and intermediate routes, often finding receivers in stride and minimizing turnovers—a stark contrast to some of the inconsistencies seen from other contenders.

But McCord isn't without competition. The battle is far from decided, with several capable quarterbacks vying for snaps. Chief among them is Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, a redshirt junior who has been with the program since 2021. Del Rio-Wilson brings familiarity with the Syracuse system, having appeared in spot duty over the past two seasons. His athleticism and scrambling ability add a dynamic element, reminiscent of Shrader's style, which could appeal to Brown if the team wants to maintain a mobile quarterback presence. Del Rio-Wilson's experience includes a memorable performance against Clemson in 2022, where he stepped in and nearly led the Orange to an upset victory. However, questions about his consistency in the passing game have lingered, and spring reports suggest he needs to refine his accuracy to challenge McCord effectively.

Adding depth to the competition are other intriguing options, including true freshman Jakhari Williams and transfer Justin Lamson from Stanford. Williams, a highly touted recruit from Georgia, embodies Brown's recruiting success, bringing raw talent and upside that could make him a dark horse if he develops quickly. Lamson, meanwhile, offers versatility as a former starter at Stanford with a knack for extending plays with his legs. The diversity in skill sets among these quarterbacks underscores the strategic dilemma facing Brown: Does he opt for McCord's polished passing to open up the offense, or lean into the mobility of Del Rio-Wilson or Lamson to keep defenses off-balance?

Brown himself has been vocal about the importance of this competition, emphasizing that it will be decided on merit rather than preconceived notions. In interviews, the first-year head coach has highlighted the need for a quarterback who can not only execute plays but also lead the team through adversity. "We're building something special here at Syracuse," Brown has said, drawing on his experience recruiting top talent at Georgia. "The quarterback who earns this job will be the one who shows up every day, makes the right reads, and inspires his teammates." This philosophy aligns with Brown's broader vision for the program, which includes bolstering the defense with transfers like Fadil Diggs from Texas A&M and emphasizing a hard-nosed, disciplined approach that could return Syracuse to relevance in the ACC.

The implications of this quarterback decision extend beyond the field. Syracuse, coming off a 6-7 season that included a bowl appearance but also highlighted offensive struggles, is looking to climb the ACC standings. With a schedule that features tough matchups against teams like NC State, Virginia Tech, and a non-conference tilt against Ohio State—ironically, McCord's former team—the Orange need a reliable leader under center to compete. McCord's familiarity with high-pressure environments, honed during Ohio State's playoff chases, could be invaluable. If he secures the starting nod, it might signal a shift toward a more pass-heavy offense, potentially unlocking weapons like wide receiver Oronde Gadsden II, who returned from injury and is poised for a breakout year.

Yet, the competition's outcome could also hinge on intangibles. Team chemistry, injury management, and performance in live scrimmages will play pivotal roles. Observers note that McCord has been proactive in building relationships with his new teammates, organizing extra throwing sessions and studying film collaboratively. This leadership has endeared him to the locker room, where players appreciate his work ethic and humility despite his Big Ten pedigree. Del Rio-Wilson, on the other hand, benefits from his tenure at Syracuse, fostering loyalty among veterans who have seen him grind through challenging times.

As spring practices progress toward the annual spring game, all eyes will be on how this battle unfolds. Brown has indicated that while an early leader like McCord has emerged, the competition will extend into fall camp, ensuring that the best performer earns the role. This approach not only motivates the quarterbacks but also instills a competitive culture that could permeate the entire roster.

Looking ahead, Syracuse's success in 2024 will largely depend on stabilizing the quarterback position. If McCord solidifies his status as the starter, the Orange could surprise skeptics and push for a bowl game or even contend in the ACC's middle tier. His ability to distribute the ball efficiently could complement a running game led by LeQuint Allen, creating a balanced attack that defenses struggle to contain. Conversely, if another quarterback rises to the occasion, it might preserve the dual-threat identity that has defined Syracuse in recent years.

The broader context of college football's transfer era adds another layer to this narrative. Programs like Syracuse, which may not always land five-star recruits out of high school, have increasingly turned to the portal for immediate impact players. McCord's arrival is a testament to Brown's recruiting acumen, as he leveraged connections from his Georgia days to attract talent to upstate New York. This strategy has already paid dividends, with Syracuse boasting one of the top transfer classes in the nation, including defensive standouts and offensive linemen to protect whoever wins the QB job.

In essence, the quarterback competition at Syracuse is more than just a battle for playing time—it's a microcosm of the program's rebirth under Fran Brown. With Kyle McCord leading the pack early on, there's optimism that the Orange can turn the page on mediocrity and embrace a brighter future. As the pads continue to crack in spring drills, the stakes couldn't be higher, and the winner of this contest could very well become the face of Syracuse football's resurgence. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see if McCord's early edge translates into a season of promise or if an underdog story steals the spotlight. Whatever the outcome, this competition is injecting energy into a program hungry for success, setting the stage for what could be a compelling chapter in Syracuse's football history.

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