The Ohio State Buckeyes star’s recent projections show a new low.

Ohio State Buckeyes Star Hits New Low in Recent Projections: A Critical Look at the Program’s Current Struggles

The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been one of college football’s premier programs, but recent projections and analysis paint a less-than-ideal picture for one of their star players and the team as a whole. The Buckeyes, who have consistently been contenders for Big Ten championships and College Football Playoff berths, are currently facing some unexpected setbacks, particularly with one of their most prominent players hitting a new low in draft projections and performance evaluations.

While Ohio State has a rich history of success under head coach Ryan Day, recent struggles on the field and concerning player performances have caused experts to reconsider their place at the top of college football’s elite. This article will examine the situation surrounding the Buckeyes’ star, the challenges the team is facing, and the broader implications these struggles might have on the program moving forward.

The Player at the Center of the Concerns

At the heart of the current Ohio State football struggles is Kyle McCord, the team’s starting quarterback and one of the most highly touted recruits in recent memory. McCord, a five-star recruit from St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, was expected to be the next great quarterback to carry on the tradition of success set by previous Buckeyes signal-callers like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and C.J. Stroud.

In 2025, however, McCord’s performance has been underwhelming by Ohio State’s standards, and his stock has taken a significant hit in recent draft projections. After a disappointing showing in the team’s early-season games and subsequent struggles to find consistency, McCord now faces serious questions about his future as both the starter for the Buckeyes and as a potential NFL draft prospect.

Early Career Hype

McCord arrived at Ohio State with lofty expectations. He was widely considered one of the top quarterbacks of his recruiting class, and his ability to read defenses, arm strength, and accuracy on deep passes earned him comparisons to Ohio State’s past quarterbacks who went on to have successful careers in the NFL.

During his first season as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback in 2024, McCord showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. He managed to put up impressive numbers in certain games but also had his fair share of poor performances against top-tier competition. Many analysts believed McCord needed more time to develop his decision-making and mental toughness in pressure situations.

However, expectations for McCord to take over as the program’s next superstar quarterback remained high heading into the 2025 season. Many still believed he had the potential to lead the team to a College Football Playoff appearance and further develop into a top-tier NFL Draft prospect.

McCord’s Declining Stock: A Closer Look at the Struggles

The early part of the 2025 season, however, has been far from what anyone expected from a quarterback of McCord’s pedigree. After a series of subpar outings, McCord’s name has begun to fall down the list of top NFL quarterback prospects. Analysts and scouts who once had him pegged as a potential first-round pick have now lowered their expectations.

Inconsistent Play

One of the most significant reasons for McCord’s recent decline in projections is his inconsistent play. Despite having a strong supporting cast, including elite receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and a stable of talented running backs, McCord has struggled to find his rhythm. In crucial games against teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Notre Dame, McCord has failed to execute in high-pressure situations.

His inconsistency has been evident both in his mechanics and in his decision-making. He’s missed open throws, especially on deep balls, and has struggled with accuracy and timing in key moments. Additionally, McCord has not been able to move the ball effectively in crunch-time situations, often failing to lead his team on game-winning drives when it matters most. Against Michigan in the 2025 season’s biggest game, McCord threw two interceptions in the second half, which led to a deflating loss for the Buckeyes.

Struggles Under Pressure

Another issue that has plagued McCord this season has been his performance under pressure. Historically, Ohio State quarterbacks have been known for their poise and ability to handle difficult situations. However, McCord’s ability to stay calm in high-stress moments has been questioned. In several of the Buckeyes’ games, McCord has appeared rattled by opposing defenses, particularly when facing aggressive pass rushes.

His decision-making has also suffered in critical moments. McCord has forced throws, making poor choices that have led to turnovers and halted drives. This is especially concerning considering his experience in the system and the high level of talent around him. It’s clear that McCord has yet to develop the mental toughness needed to consistently deliver in tight games against elite defenses.

Inability to Adapt

Perhaps one of the most concerning aspects of McCord’s struggles has been his inability to adapt to Ohio State’s offensive changes. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have typically relied on a high-powered, pass-heavy offense that utilizes the spread system to create mismatches. However, McCord has failed to make the most of the opportunities provided by the offensive scheme.

He has not demonstrated the same fluidity and connection with his receiving corps that former Ohio State quarterbacks, such as C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields, exhibited. Despite having an elite group of wide receivers, McCord has failed to consistently connect with them, particularly on deep routes. This inability to take advantage of Ohio State’s explosive playmakers has contributed to the team’s inability to match the firepower of other top programs in the country.

Moreover, McCord has not shown the adaptability to adjust when things aren’t going his way. Against faster, more aggressive defenses, McCord has struggled to make the necessary adjustments and readjust to the changing dynamics of the game. This inability to make in-game changes is a significant issue, especially for a program like Ohio State that expects its quarterback to be the focal point of its success.

The Consequences for Ohio State

McCord’s struggles have not only impacted his personal stock but also hurt Ohio State as a whole. For a program that has aspirations of competing for national championships, the quarterback position is crucial. McCord’s inability to execute in big moments and produce consistently on offense has put Ohio State’s playoff hopes in jeopardy.

College Football Playoff Aspirations

As the Buckeyes head into the second half of the 2025 season, their College Football Playoff aspirations are hanging by a thread. While the defense has been solid, the lack of offensive production under McCord has led to some close games and frustrating losses. The Buckeyes are now facing a crucial stretch of games in the Big Ten, including matchups with Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Ohio State’s margin for error is razor-thin. With a loss to Michigan already on the record and other key games on the horizon, McCord must find a way to lead his team to victory if the Buckeyes are to make the Playoff. If McCord continues to struggle, the Buckeyes may be looking at a missed opportunity in 2025, especially with the increased competition in the Big Ten and a more balanced field of contenders.

The Impact on Recruiting

The struggles of McCord could also have long-term effects on Ohio State’s recruiting efforts. Ohio State has historically been one of the top schools in the nation when it comes to attracting top-tier talent, particularly at the quarterback position. However, if McCord’s struggles continue, it could lead to concerns among potential recruits about the quarterback development at Ohio State.

There have already been whispers about top recruits potentially questioning the team’s ability to develop quarterbacks to the level needed to succeed at the highest level. If McCord’s performance continues to fall short, it could hurt Ohio State’s ability to bring in future five-star quarterbacks who are looking for a program where they can thrive under center.

The Road Ahead for Kyle McCord and Ohio State

As the Buckeyes continue to navigate the 2025 season, McCord’s future at Ohio State remains uncertain. Despite the challenges he has faced, he still has time to turn things around and salvage his career at Ohio State. With a talented group of wide receivers and a strong offensive system, McCord has the tools to succeed, but he must overcome his struggles with consistency, pressure, and adaptability.

Ohio State, on the other hand, will need to decide whether McCord is the right quarterback to lead them into the future. If his struggles persist, it may be time for Ryan Day to consider other options at quarterback, whether through a change in the starting lineup or turning to an incoming recruit who can provide a spark.