Taking a closer look at Kyle McCord, Julian Fleming's upcoming visit to Nebraska
Quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Julian Fleming were two of the most significant Buckeyes to enter the transfer portal following the regular season, and the two now have their sights set on a visit together to Nebraska on Sunday as a part of their recruitment.
On3’s sports business and transfer portal reporter Pete Nakos spoke with Andy Staples about the duo’s upcoming visit to Lincoln and whether or not the Cornhuskers have the chance to potentially pull off a two-for-one special within their own conference.
“I have heard nothing yet that makes it suggest they’re a package deal,” Nakos said. “But I think the thought of Kyle being able to link up with one of his top targets at Ohio State, I would only imagine sweetens the pot for both of them.”
“Not a shot at the Nebraska wide receiver room, but Julian Fleming right? Five-star recruit, former number one wide receiver in the 2020 class, I mean when you have Marvin Harrison and Emeka Egbuka in that room Julian could have been lost in moments sometimes. But I’m sure if he landed at Nebraska I think he could really be a breakout star that we could see in the Big Ten,” Nakos added.
Fleming’s recorded 79 catches for 963 yards and 7 touchdowns in his four seasons with the Buckeyes, but a change of scenery could help him blossom even more.
But if the Cornhuskers can secure McCord as their quarterback this offseason, with or without Fleming, it could change the entire completion of their 2024 season in year two under head coach Matt Rhule. As Nakos elaborated on what’s stood out regarding McCord’s recruitment so far following his entry into the transfer portal.
“The offensive coordinator at Nebraska Marcus Satterfield flew to Columbus last week for a quick meeting and there’s word thrown out there that Nebraska has by far been the most aggressive school when it comes to trying to find a quarterback on this market. I think they’ve talked to five now,” Nakos said. “But that meeting went really well, and then in terms of where else McCord’s looked, I’ve some heard rumblings about Mississippi State, there was a thought that Syracuse could get in the mix. But the last 48-72 hours it’s been all Nebraska.”
Rhule recently said at a press conference that a good quarterback in the transfer portal ‘costs $1 million to $1.5 million to $2 million right now.’ But regardless, the price is right in Lincoln regarding their interest in McCord following his lone season as the Buckeyes starter according to Nakos.
“I can just tell you from my conversations I’ve had that Nebraska is going to be able to deliver the type of financial package that Kyle McCord believes he’s worth and probably is worth. And the 1890 Initiative, the main collective at Nebraska, I mean yeah, I don’t want to say a storied history but it’s well tracked that Nebraska’s probably in the upper echelon of the Power Five when it comes to NIL collectives,” Nakos explained.
It will surely be interesting to see which program McCord lands at this offseason, and maybe even more interesting if Fleming tags along as well, especially if the duo remains in the Big Ten Conference.