Kyle McCord Tells Jon Gruden His Greatest Remorse After Ohio State’s 2023 Michigan Loss

The Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry is more than just a game—it’s a defining moment for players, coaches, and fanbases alike. For Kyle McCord, the highly scrutinized former Ohio State quarterback, the 2023 edition of The Game didn’t just mark a third straight loss to Michigan for the Buckeyes; it was a personal turning point.

Now several months removed from that bitter 30-24 defeat in Ann Arbor, McCord opened up in a candid one-on-one interview with Super Bowl-winning coach and football analyst Jon Gruden. In a conversation that ranged from his high school days to his transfer to Syracuse, McCord laid bare the lingering emotion and his biggest regret surrounding that fateful November afternoon.

A National Stage and a Heavy Crown

When McCord was handed the keys to Ryan Day’s offense in 2023, expectations were sky-high. He had been a blue-chip recruit, the No. 6 pro-style quarterback in the country coming out of Philadelphia’s St. Joseph’s Prep, and had patiently waited his turn behind C.J. Stroud. By the time November rolled around, McCord had managed Ohio State to an unbeaten record heading into The Game.

But it was in the crucible of The Big House where things unraveled. And for the first time publicly, McCord told Gruden what he truly wished he had done differently.

“My biggest regret,” McCord told Gruden, “was not pulling the trigger on the third-and-short call late in the fourth quarter. I saw the coverage, I knew Marvin [Harrison Jr.] was breaking open on the dig, and I hesitated just enough to miss the window. That play still eats at me.”

That admission refers to a pivotal third-and-3 with just under seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and Ohio State trailing by three. Instead of going to Harrison—who had a step on his defender—McCord checked down, resulting in a short gain that forced a punt. Michigan would go on to eat up nearly five minutes on the ensuing drive and kick a field goal, extending the lead to six.

Jon Gruden’s Quarterback Lab: A Setting for Reflection

McCord’s interview with Gruden wasn’t a sit-down in a studio—it took place in Gruden’s renowned QB “lab,” a private fieldhouse filled with film, whiteboards, and decades of NFL wisdom. The format gave McCord the freedom to break down film from that game and explain what went wrong—both technically and mentally.

Gruden, known for his no-nonsense approach, didn’t let him off easy.

“You had the look. Cover 2. You got the linebacker flowing to the flat. You had your guy. What happened?” Gruden asked.

“I overthought it,” McCord responded. “I’d been coached all week to be careful with turnovers. But in that moment, I needed to trust my arm and my guy. That’s on me.”

Gruden nodded, acknowledging that fine line all quarterbacks must walk: aggression versus caution. “You can’t be afraid to win,” Gruden said. “And that’s something you’ll carry with you forever—not to beat you up, but to grow from.”

The Psychology of a Rivalry Game

McCord admitted the stakes of the rivalry were “heavier than any other moment” in his football career. Despite having led Ohio State to multiple ranked wins and strong showings earlier in the year, McCord conceded that the noise around the Michigan game was deafening.

“I don’t think anyone outside of Columbus and Ann Arbor understands the pressure,” McCord said. “You hear it from former players, fans, even professors. Everything is about beating Michigan.”

When asked if that pressure played a role in his decision-making during the game, McCord didn’t hesitate.

“Absolutely,” he said. “I tried to stay within the offense, but in hindsight, I think I played not to lose on a couple drives. That’s what I regret the most.”

A Legacy Marked by a Single Game

Fair or not, Ohio State quarterbacks are judged by their performance against the Wolverines. Justin Fields is revered for his 2019 performance. C.J. Stroud, despite his prolific numbers, was dogged by back-to-back losses to Michigan until his NFL debut flipped the narrative.

McCord, unfortunately, became the first starting quarterback under Ryan Day to lose The Game and not return the following season. The backlash was swift, and the fanbase grew restless.

“After the game, it felt like the sky fell,” McCord said. “I’d gone 11-1, but that one loss meant everything. That’s Ohio State. You sign up for that when you put on that jersey.”

The Decision to Transfer

Shortly after the season ended, McCord entered the transfer portal and eventually committed to Syracuse, reuniting with former Ohio State offensive analyst Chip Kelly, who took over as OC.

Gruden pressed him on that decision.

“Did you feel pushed out?”

“I wouldn’t say pushed out,” McCord replied. “But I knew the narrative was already written. People wanted change, and I understood that. I wanted a fresh start where I could play free and build something new.”

That honesty painted a clear picture of the emotional toll the loss took—not just on McCord’s public perception, but on his own self-belief.

Redemption in Orange?

At Syracuse, McCord has a new chance to rewrite his story. In early spring practice, he’s reportedly looked sharp, demonstrating improved timing, command of the offense, and most importantly—confidence.

“What I want now is to just go out and play the game the way I know I can,” McCord told Gruden. “No politics, no weight of a rivalry on my shoulders. Just football.”

Gruden, impressed with the growth, told McCord something rare for him: “You’ve got the goods, man. Now just cut it loose.”

Still a Buckeye at Heart

Despite how things ended, McCord maintains love for Ohio State and appreciation for what it taught him.

“Coach Day, Coach Dennis—they helped shape me,” McCord said. “I wish I could’ve delivered that win, but I’ll always be thankful I wore the scarlet and gray.”

And in a moment that showed his maturity, McCord even had kind words for his replacement, Will Howard, who transferred in from Kansas State.

“He’s a baller,” McCord said. “Ohio State’s in good hands.”

Lessons from the Gridiron

The interview ended with Gruden asking McCord what advice he would give his younger self—just before that Michigan game.

“Trust yourself. Don’t play scared. You prepared for this moment your whole life—so go take it.”

Those words echoed throughout the lab, a message not just for McCord but for every quarterback facing their moment of truth.

Kyle McCord may not have cemented his legacy in Columbus the way fans hoped, but his introspection, accountability, and determination to grow reveal a young man shaped by both triumph and pain. His story isn’t over—it’s just shifted to a new chapter in upstate New York.

For now, the regret remains, but so does the resolve. And perhaps one day, when Kyle McCord leads Syracuse into a bowl game or shocks the ACC, that one missed throw in Ann Arbor will be remembered not as a final note, but as the moment that sparked his transformation.