In a potential game-changing move, Nebraska’s head coach, Matt Rhule, is poised to make a significant impact in the transfer portal by targeting former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord. Following an official visit to Lincoln on Friday, McCord reportedly received a scholarship offer, and according to CornhuskersWire, On3’s transfer portal predictor confidently gives the Cornhuskers a 100 percent chance of securing the services of the former Buckeye.
For Nebraska, this acquisition could be monumental, particularly in Rhule’s second offseason. In the previous season, McCord showcased impressive stats, completing 65.8 percent of his passes for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions, guiding Ohio State to an impressive 11-1 record. Although McCord won’t have the luxury of playing alongside Heisman Trophy finalist Marvin Harrison Jr. at Nebraska, his arrival promises to be a substantial upgrade over the quarterback options Rhule had in his inaugural season in Lincoln.
Nebraska, which finished the season 5-7 (3-6 in Big Ten), fell short of qualifying for a bowl game, losing its last four games by a mere 16-point margin. The team struggled with turnovers, leading the nation with an average of 2.6 per game, and ranked 127th in interceptions with 1.3 per game. The quarterback rotation, involving transfers and sophomores, produced less-than-impressive combined stats.
However, McCord’s potential addition comes with a significant financial investment, potentially in line with Rhule’s earlier statements about the high cost of acquiring a transfer quarterback, estimated at a minimum of $1 million. This move not only carries financial implications but also places added pressure on Rhule to achieve substantial success in the 2024 season.
Nebraska’s absence from a bowl game since 2016, the longest drought in FBS, adds to the stakes. The upcoming season brings challenging matchups against new Big Ten additions like Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington, with Nebraska hosting UCLA and facing USC in November. Additionally, key dates on the 2024 calendar include the season opener against Colorado, anticipated to be a more competitive matchup with the upgraded quarterback position, and a pivotal trip to Columbus on Oct. 26 to face Ohio State.
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