The Miami Dolphins were dismissed long before the 2026 campaign began and they have largely been ignored through Week 9 (understandably so). Many fans have lost faith in the organization. Kyle McCord knows how that feels.

The former highly regarded recruit was essentially pushed out of Ohio State after struggling in a must-win game at Michigan. McCord revived his stock at Syracuse in 2024, but the Buckeyes won the national championship that same season. Despite leading the NCAA with 4,779 passing yards, people continued to doubt this player's ceiling. He is in the perfect place, though.

McCord and the Dolphins need each other to take the next step in their development. This joint pursuit for redemption will reach a pivotal stage on Sunday, as the 24-year-old prepares to make his first NFL start. Miami passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo spent time with the 2025 sixth-round draft pick while serving as the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive coordinator and is quite impressed with the young QB's intangibles.

“He’s a good processor,” Patullo said ahead of the Dolphins' Week 10 road matchup versus the Indianapolis Colts, per the Palm Beach Post's Joe Schad. “He sees the field well. He’s a tough kid. He’s very professional. Guys gravitate to him. A quieter guy but has some swag to him.”

Syracuse fans have already seen the “swag” on display, so Kyle McCord might be quite comfortable in The Magic City. He prospered when the college football-watching world wrote him off, and he is hoping to stun the masses once again this Sunday afternoon.

The Dolphins acquired the Second-Team All-ACC selection in an August trade with the Green Bay Packers, deeming him to be a worthwhile backup option. Since Malik Willis is battling a groin injury, McCord will get a chance to showcase his skills in Lucas Oil Stadium. Even though the record suggests hopelessness, Miami (1-7) is playing with defiance and plenty of competitive fire.

The Mount Laurel, New Jersey native should match that energy, and given how the opposition is looking, that could be enough to steal a W in Indianapolis.