Tennessee football’s 2025 season-opener against Syracuse just got a little bit easier. Syracuse starting quarterback Kyle McCord declared for the NFL Draft on Friday after spending just one season in upstate New York.
— Kyle McCord (@kylemccord16) January 10, 2025
McCord was the nation’s leading passer in 2024, completing 391-of-592 passes for 4,779 yards, 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The senior quarterback set a new single-season ACC record with his 4,779 passing yards last season.
The Mount Laurel, New Jersey native spent the first three years of his career at Ohio State and was the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback in 2023 before transferring to Syracuse. Last month, it was reported that McCord was pursuing an extra-year of eligibility from the NCAA but now he’s moving on to the NFL.
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It’s unclear who will start for Syracuse when they head to Atlanta to face Tennessee in the Aflac Kickoff game in August. Jakhari Williams, a former three-star recruit, is the only returning quarterback on Syracuse’s roster but he did not play any during the 2024 season.
The Orange added LSU transfer Rickie Collins last month in the portal. A former four-star recruit, Collins has attempted just five total passes in his two seasons in Baton Rouge. Syracuse could also look to add a more proven quarterback in the transfer portal but that would likely come in the spring portal period.
Syracuse is coming off an impressive first season under head coach Fred Brown. A former Georgia assistant, Brown led the Orange to a 10-3 record in 2024 capped off by wins over Miami and then Washington State in the Holiday Bowl.
The Orange posted a 19-30 record in the previous four seasons under former head coach Dino Babers.
Tennessee and Syracuse open up the 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 30 in the Aflac Kickoff game at Mercedez Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Opening the season with a win is a major key for the Vols to return to the College Football Playoff for a second straight year.
