Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord has become a notable name in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, with several NFL teams reportedly high on his potential. Among the teams showing interest are the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are evaluating quarterback options to strengthen their roster moving forward.
McCord transferred to Syracuse from Ohio State, where he spent three seasons, including a 2023 campaign as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback. His move to Syracuse proved pivotal, as he delivered an outstanding season that turned heads across college football. McCord threw for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns while completing 66% of his passes. These numbers not only led the nation in passing yards but also set a new single-season ACC record.
Syracuse finished the season with a 10-3 record, capped by a victory in the Holiday Bowl. McCord’s leadership and on-field production played a significant role in the team’s resurgence, bringing them national attention and boosting his NFL Draft stock.
Several draft analysts now consider McCord to be among the top five quarterback prospects in the 2025 class. His strengths include a strong arm, above-average accuracy, and a high football IQ. He has also shown an ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure. That said, some areas for improvement have been noted, such as his consistency on deep throws and his footwork when flushed out of the pocket.
McCord participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl earlier this year, where he impressed NFL scouts with his poise, vision, and timing on throws. He noted that he had focused on improving his footwork and mobility to become a more complete player. At Syracuse’s Pro Day, McCord once again showcased his skills. His throws were crisp and on time, especially on intermediate routes, helping to affirm his status as a potential Day 2 pick in the draft.
While several teams are eyeing McCord, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the more intriguing possibilities. Although they were recently projected to select Alabama’s Jalen Milroe in a mock draft, the team is known for doing deep evaluations and keeping their options open. McCord’s skill set could make him a developmental option with future starter potential.
The Steelers are currently undergoing a transitional phase at quarterback. With uncertainty surrounding their long-term answer at the position, McCord represents a low-risk, high-upside investment. His ability to thrive in a pro-style offense at Syracuse, combined with his experience in a high-pressure environment at Ohio State, gives teams confidence in his ability to handle the NFL stage.
McCord’s journey—from highly touted high school recruit, to starter at Ohio State, to a breakout star at Syracuse—demonstrates resilience and adaptability. Those qualities, coupled with his on-field production, have made him one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects entering this year’s draft.
As the NFL Draft approaches, McCord’s name is likely to continue surfacing in discussions among teams looking to add a young quarterback to develop. While he may not be selected in the first round, he remains a popular name for Day 2 consideration, with the potential to compete for a starting role within the next couple of seasons.
For McCord, the path to the NFL has been anything but straightforward, but it’s clear that he has made the most of every opportunity. Now, as teams finalize their draft boards, he could be poised to make a splash at the next level.
