J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback for Michigan, declares his intention to join the 2024 NFL Draft.
McCarthy, who improved his record to 27-1 since defeating Cade McNamara in the opening match of the 2022 season, guided the Wolverines to their first national championship in 26 years this past season. His lone defeat as a starter came against TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinal of the previous season at UM.
McCarthy, who placed tenth in the Heisman Trophy voting the previous season, failed to lead the run-heavy Wolverines in passing efficiency. Although he only had nine interceptions in 29 games over the previous two seasons, he performed well in crucial situations and occasionally did so this season without his head coach, Jim Harbaugh, who was suspended for two consecutive three-game stints.
McCarthy completed 68.4% of his throws for 656 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions during Michigan’s four-game title run against Ohio State, Iowa in the Big Ten title Game, and Alabama and Washington in the College Football Playoff. Against the Crimson Tide late in the fourth quarter, he completed the game-winning drive with his most significant touchdown throw.
McCarthy, a tall, slender, and athletically gifted quarterback who turns 21 on January 20, is best when working on the move, but over the last two seasons, he has become a better decision-maker in the pocket. McCarthy can maintain play over the full field by throwing from a variety of platforms and arm angles.
McCarthy can make incredible, really tough throws, but he can also miss layups and is still working on his feel and touch as a passer. Considering the team’s strong run game, he has also not often been required to win games. There are hints of Gene Smith and Ryan Tannehill in his style.
Despite having minimal time as a true freshman, McCarthy a highly anticipated recruit selected the Wolverines. He completed 34 of 59 throws for 516 yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions, and two rushes for TDs in 2021 while supporting McNamara.
McCarthy finally emerged as the starting quarterback in 2022. In the Wolverines’ playoff semifinal loss to TCU, McCarthy completed 208-of-322 passes (64.6%) for 2,719 yards, 22 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also ran for five touchdowns and a two-point conversion.
After leading Michigan to an undefeated regular season and a third straight victory over Ohio State who had won the rivalry eight times before to McCarthy’s arrival as well as the much-needed national championship in 2023. McCarthy completed 240 of 332 passes (72.3%) for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just four interceptions; three of those were in a victory over Bowling Green early in the season.
McCarthy would be the first quarterback from Michigan to be selected in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft since Jake Rudock. McCarthy, an underclassman in his third year of junior status, has until Monday to petition the league for special eligibility.