Ohio State’s Kyle McCord Enters Transfer Portal, and Buckeyes Fans Know Who They Want as Next QB

Ohio State Buckeyes fans clearly already have one transfer portal replacement in mind: ex-Washington State Cougars quarterback Cam Ward.

Another notable quarterback entered the transfer portal on Monday, as Ohio State signal-caller Kyle McCord is leaving Columbus.

McCord’s decision may have come as a surprise to Buckeyes fans, but it didn’t take them long to come up with a replacement target for the junior QB. Although some fans mentioned the possibility of top 2024 recruit Air Noland taking over under center, others settled on one name in the transfer portal as the next Buckeyes signal-caller: Cam Ward, formerly of Washington State.

Ward, a junior, recently decided to move on from the Cougars, as he entered the portal Friday as a graduate transfer, while also leaving the door open to the 2024 NFL draft. It’s not hard to see why Ohio State fans would want Ward, though. 

BRING US CAM WARD https://t.co/tTCvjJ5W7s

— Buckeye Intel (@BuckeyeIntel) December 4, 2023

The Texas native threw for 3,736 yards with 25 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions, adding eight scores on the ground this season. But Ward wasn’t the only big name being thrown around by the Buckeyes faithful. Texas’s Arch Manning also became an instant target for Ohio State fans. 

Manning, who was seemingly poised to take over as the Longhorns’ starter in 2024, may have to wait his turn with reports suggesting that incumbent Quinn Ewers will return next season. While Manning’s transfer is probably unlikely, it didn’t stop Ohio State fans from dreaming. 

Above all, Buckeyes fans made one thing abundantly clear. 

The fan base doesn’t appear to be upset that head coach Ryan Day is seeking an upgrade at QB. It will be interesting to see whom the program ultimately selects as its next starter.

Buckeyes wide receiver Julian Fleming also announced his intent to transfer Monday.