I realize it is very unlikely but I'm surprised no one has mentioned the possibility

That the Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries could be elected Speaker of the House? McCarthy is said to be five votes short of a majority. Jeffries is only six votes short of a majority. IF everyone casts a vote. In these partisan times it is unlikely that Representatives are going to cross party lines to vote for the other, but what if enough Republicans are sufficiently turned off by the choice between the Never Kevin MAGA candidate and the ever-waffling, how can I buy your vote Kevin and simply votes present. It is a majority of those voting for a candidate by name, so each "present" vote (essentially abstaining) REDUCES the majority required, and if those voting "present" are Republicans McCarthy is counting on, the number of votes McCarthy has locked up shrinks at the same Jeffries shortfall from a majority vote shrinks as well.