“Another year of loving you”: Syracuse QB Kyle McCord shares special wish for GF Sophia Elizabeth

Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord is gearing up for the 2024 college football season. McCord hit training camp hard while lauding his offensive line and praising the deep talent at tight end.

Yet, amidst the football frenzy, it’s his girlfriend, Sophia Elizabeth, who he especially made time for recently. McCord took a break from the gridiron to celebrate Sophia’s birthday, sharing an Instagram post.

In the photo, McCord sports a striped green polo while Sophia dazzles in a white dress. The QB’s caption read:

“Happy birthday Sose. Here’s to another year of loving you! 🤞🏼❤️”

Their relationship, which began in 2019 before they attended Ohio State, continues to be a cornerstone in McCord’s life. Expect Sophia Elizabeth to be a prominent supporter at Syracuse games this season. The Orange kick off their campaign on September 1 against the Ohio Bobcats at the JMA Wireless Dome.

Kyle McCord impressed by Syracuse's 2024 CFB preparations

As the 2024 college football season approaches, McCord is raving about his new team’s preparation. Settling into Syracuse’s pro-style offense, McCord finds that the game is starting to feel like second nature.

Adjusting to the language of offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon’s scheme has been a critical focus. With 14 years of NFL experience, including a stint as the Carolina Panthers assistant head coach, Nixon brings a complex, traditional system to Syracuse.

“In some areas, it’s similar, but obviously there’s new terminology,” McCord said.

The pro-style offense features a balanced mix of run and pass plays and uses fullbacks and tight ends, mirroring NFL schemes.

“It's a lot of NFL teams that are running the plays," McCord said. "I think that's what makes it fun, there's not going to be really one area that we're going to be dominant.

This complexity initially caused some growing pains, but McCord’s experience, including a strong 2023 season at Ohio State with 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns, is helping him adapt.

“The main message in camp at this point right now is to just not let things get mundane or feel like we're doing the same thing over and over again,” he said.

With quality reps and a refined decision-making process, McCord is ready to lead the Orange to a successful season.