Kyle McCord Breaks Down Michigan Loss and Sets the Record Straight with Jon Gruden
Kyle McCord had an unforgettable college football journey, and his latest sitdown with Jon Gruden was no exception. The Ohio State quarterback, who faced immense pressure after the Buckeyes’ loss to Michigan, opened up about what went wrong in that crushing defeat, offering his insights on the game and setting the record straight on a few key points. But McCord didn’t just focus on that painful loss; he also took the opportunity to turn up the heat on Notre Dame fans, making headlines once again.
The Michigan loss has lingered as a defining moment in McCord’s career. Ohio State was coming into that game with high hopes, riding a strong season, and with a chance to lock in a College Football Playoff spot. But the Buckeyes’ 2025 defeat to their bitter rivals was nothing short of devastating, both in terms of the score and the implications for their season. It wasn’t just the loss to Michigan that haunted McCord—it was how it all unfolded, and the heartbreak that followed.
During the interview with Gruden, McCord was remarkably candid. The first thing he emphasized was the weight of expectations that came with the Michigan game. “It’s not just any game,” he explained. “It’s a rivalry that goes back more than a century. Every year, it feels like the stakes are raised a little higher. We knew what it meant for the program, for the fans, and for our own legacies.” McCord revealed that leading up to the game, the intensity had reached a boiling point. “You could feel the tension in the air,” he said. “Everyone knew this game was going to define our season, and we knew how much was on the line.”
Despite the heavy build-up, McCord’s performance in the Michigan game was rocky. It was a hard-fought battle, and while Ohio State showed flashes of brilliance, the Wolverines took advantage of key mistakes at pivotal moments. McCord shared his thoughts on those critical errors. “The first interception I threw in the second half—that was a turning point,” he admitted. “It was a misread. I thought I had the window for a big play, and I forced it. They took advantage of that. That’s a mistake I’ll never forget.” The turnover proved costly, as Michigan capitalized and extended their lead.
McCord continued to break down the game, acknowledging how tough it was to watch the Wolverines seal the victory. “The hardest part wasn’t necessarily the loss itself,” he reflected, “but the feeling of letting my teammates down. This wasn’t just about me; this was about a group of guys who’d worked so hard to get there. I wanted to be the one to deliver for them.” McCord talked about how, in the days following the game, the locker room was silent, filled with frustration and disappointment. The loss was tough on everyone, but McCord was particularly hard on himself.
The Ohio State quarterback took some time to discuss his growth from the loss. While it was clear that the sting of the defeat would stay with him for some time, McCord was quick to point out that the experience taught him valuable lessons. “That game forced me to look at myself in a way I hadn’t before,” he said. “It made me realize that, even when the game doesn’t go your way, it’s about how you bounce back and learn from it. I think that’s what defines a leader: your ability to handle adversity and grow from it.”
As Gruden prodded deeper into the conversation, the focus shifted to McCord’s relationship with his teammates, especially in the aftermath of such a crushing loss. McCord spoke highly of his offensive line, his receivers, and his coaching staff, who all rallied around him during those tough days. “We’re a team. We’re a family,” McCord said. “That loss didn’t break us. If anything, it made us stronger. We knew we had a bigger purpose ahead of us, and we couldn’t dwell on one bad day. That’s part of football.”
The sitdown took a surprising turn when Gruden asked McCord about Notre Dame fans, especially given the long-standing rivalry between the Fighting Irish and the Buckeyes. McCord, known for his fiery competitive spirit, didn’t hold back. “I’m not one to shy away from speaking my mind,” McCord said, his tone sharpening. “I’ve heard the chatter. Notre Dame fans, they like to talk a lot of trash when they think they’re on top. But here’s the reality—they’ve got a lot of work to do before they’re in Ohio State’s league. Let’s not kid ourselves. We’ve been to more big games, played against tougher competition, and frankly, we’ve done it better.”
The comments immediately raised eyebrows. Gruden chuckled but pressed McCord further. “Are you saying they’re overrated?” Gruden asked. McCord nodded, leaning into the conversation. “Look, Notre Dame is a solid program. They’ve got some good players and a good coach. But when it comes to competing at the highest level, they haven’t been able to get over the hump. That’s a fact. Until they can get it done on the big stage, there’s no way I’m going to let fans there talk about us like we’re on the same level.”
McCord was quick to clarify that it wasn’t personal against Notre Dame, but rather a reflection of the pride he took in Ohio State’s dominance. “It’s not about disrespecting them,” he said. “But when you’ve been in the playoff conversation year after year, and you’ve had the kind of success that Ohio State has had, you’ve earned the right to stand on that pedestal. You’re going to hear from us. And if you want to talk, you better be able to back it up.”
The comment stirred up waves on social media, with many fans and analysts reacting to McCord’s fiery remarks. Some fans of Notre Dame, still smarting from their own tough seasons, took offense to McCord’s words. Others, especially those in the Ohio State camp, supported him for standing up for his program.
McCord’s candidness continued to shine through during the interview as he discussed his future in football. The 2025 season was shaping up to be a pivotal one for him, as he continued to develop as a quarterback under head coach Ryan Day. McCord expressed his confidence in his ability to lead the Buckeyes to greatness, despite the bumps along the way. “It’s all about keeping the bigger picture in mind,” he said. “One game doesn’t define us. We’ve got to stay focused on what’s next.”
Looking ahead, McCord is aware that the pressure will only continue to rise. With big games on the horizon, including matchups with some of the best teams in the country, McCord knows the margin for error is slim. He’s ready to take on that challenge, and if anything, the Michigan loss only fuels his determination to lead Ohio State back to prominence.
In closing, McCord looked back on his conversation with Gruden and smiled. “I think it’s important to be real with yourself and with others,” he said. “There’s no need for fluff or fake humility. We’re all here to compete, to win, and to leave our mark on the game.” It was clear that McCord wasn’t just talking about Ohio State’s program—he was talking about his legacy as a player and a leader. And as he heads into his next season, it’s clear that Kyle McCord is hungry to prove that his best is yet to come.
As Gruden wrapped up the conversation, McCord’s confidence was undeniable. He had faced criticism, had his share of setbacks, but through it all, he had remained resilient, focused, and driven. The loss to Michigan might have been a painful chapter in McCord’s story, but if the way he carried himself in that interview was any indication, it’s only a small part of what will ultimately define his career. McCord is ready to rise again, and with his competitive fire burning bright, the next chapter is sure to be even more compelling than the last.
The battle with Notre Dame fans, the fierce rivalry with Michigan, and the continued push for greatness—Kyle McCord is ready to take it all on. And as we learned in that interview, he’s not backing down from anyone.
