Pitt Rival Lands Elite Transfer QB

The Pitt Panthers will likely have to face an elite transfer quarterback next season.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers' natural rival in the ACC in Syracuse made a big splash in the transfer portal this weekend and new head coach Fran Brown has his starting quarterback for his first season with the Orange. 

Former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord will transfer to Syracuse, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel, and be the favorite to start under center for the Orange when they travel to Pittsburgh to face the Panthers in 2024. 

Former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord (@kylemccord16) tells ESPN he’s committed to transfer to Syracuse. He’s 12-1 as a starter and has thrown 27 touchdowns in his career. He’s eligible immediately and has one year remaining. pic.twitter.com/MJNGcX3sC4

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 17, 2023

In his first season as a full-time starter, McCord brought the Buckeyes right up to the cusp of the Big 10 Championship Game and possibly even the College Football Playoff.

McCord completed 65.8% of his passes for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions while Ohio State ran up a 12-1 record, with their one loss coming on the road to a Michigan team that has yet to lose this season and enters the postseason ranked No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings.

Pitt is scheduled to play Syracuse every season from now through 2030. The ACC assigned these two as natural rivals under a new scheduling model that was created to accommodate the additions of SMU, Cal and Stanford. 

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

Teammates Praise Blake Hinson's Extra Effort

Pitt HC Jeff Capel's Tough Decision Pays Off

Jeff Capel Pleased With Pitt Frontcourt Despite Struggles

Jeff Capel Explains Pitt's New Starting Lineup

Pitt Adds Second Explosive Western Carolina Transfer

Pitt Lands Western Carolina Transfer WR

• Follow Inside the Panthers on Twitter: @InsidePitt