I think NU beats ILL and one of USC/UCLA with McCord. For those with limited memory skills, neither the McCords nor the Raiolas were interested in both kids being on the roster. The McCords were in town when Raiola announced he was visiting Lincoln. We do not know what was said between either party and Rhule, but the McCords left early and it was announced shortly thereafter that KM would not be in Lincoln for 2024. Rhule chose between a possible 3-4 year starter, and generational level talent (at least for NU), and a very talented 1 year guy. Since Rhule is trying to build a program, he chose the younger kid.
The X factor in this deal is Holgerson. It’s pretty clear that Satt was a placeholder at OC, and Rhule wanted DH last winter, but couldn’t reel him in. So he went with Thomas, who is a legit QB coach, with Satt as OC. Glenn had Dylan ready, but Satt’s tone deaf play calling was an easy solve for the better opposing Ds on the schedule.
So now NU has a very talented young QB with starting experience, plus an advanced offensive mind at OC. After 8 years of losing, I’ll take that along with 7-6 and a bowl win over whatever Kyle might have done, followed by another round of scrounging through the portal to find an 8-9 win QB.