The 2025 NFL Draft has a new quarterback that could be added to the board.
Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord announced Friday that he will declare for this year's NFL draft after a strong season with the Orange.
McCord's decision comes after speculation that he was seeking an NCAA eligibility waiver, which would have given him one more season of college football.
The move effectively ends his college football career, which McCord called a “crazy ride,” as he went 22-4 during his time at Syracuse and Ohio State.
McCord led the FBS with 4,779 yards rushing this season, leading Syracuse to a 10-win season, the school's first since 2018.
“I think the biggest thing for me is I felt like I had a really good year,” McCord told ESPN. “With the way everything has gone and what I'm hearing in terms of reactions to the draft, it makes sense for us to go after considering all the options.”
McCord, 22, finished fourth in the country with 34 touchdown passes, leading Syracuse to a win over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl.
“The biggest thing is how grateful I am to Syracuse for bringing me in,” McCord told ESPN. “I am grateful to my coaches, teammates and fans.”
McCord joins a quarterback draft class that will include Alabama's Jalen Milroe, Miami's Cam Ward, and Colorado's Shedor Sanders.
McCord's decision came just hours after Georgia QB Carson Beck backed out of his NFL draft declaration, opting to transfer to Miami and effectively replace Ward.
Texas QB Quinn Ewers also hinted Friday that he expects to enter the draft once his season is over.
The 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled to be held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from April 24-26.
