Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy solidifies his status as a national champion, formally announcing his entry into the 2024 NFL Draft. This declaration follows a stellar season where he played a pivotal role in guiding the Wolverines to an unblemished record, culminating in a decisive victory over Washington in the national title game.
In a statement shared across social media, McCarthy conveyed the gravity of his decision, stating, “After three incredible years at the University of Michigan, I have decided to enter the 2024 NFL draft.” The gravity of this decision is underscored by the deep emotional connection he has developed with his teammates, coaches, and the Ann Arbor community. Expressing his affection for the program, McCarthy acknowledges the inherent difficulty in parting ways with a place that has become an integral part of his journey.
McCarthy’s trajectory to the starting position is noteworthy, especially considering his shared playing time with Cade McNamara in the 2021 season. The turning point occurred in 2022 when McCarthy took the reins as the primary starter. His impact reverberated through the 2023 season, amassing impressive statistics with 240-of-332 completions, 2,911 passing yards, and 22 touchdown passes. His proficiency was further underscored by a mere four interceptions, solidifying his standing as the sixth-best nationally in completion percentage.
What sets McCarthy apart as an NFL prospect is the dynamic blend of his arm strength and athleticism, making him an enticing option for teams seeking a future franchise quarterback. However, the strategic dynamics of Michigan’s gameplay, particularly the emphasis on a robust running game in critical situations, influenced McCarthy’s role. The team’s reliance on a stout defense and a ball-control offense shaped his performance, showcasing versatility beyond being a prolific passer.
A distinctive feature of McCarthy’s season was his restrained pass attempts in high-stakes games. Notably, in the victory over Penn State, he abstained from throwing a single pass in the second half, exemplifying the team’s tactical adaptability. Throughout 2023, McCarthy consistently adhered to a game plan that never saw him surpass 30 pass attempts in a single game, a testament to the team’s commitment to a balanced approach.
Even in the national title game against Washington, where the stakes were at their highest, McCarthy demonstrated composure, completing 10-of-18 passes for 140 yards. This performance reflected his ability to contribute to victory without being solely reliant on prolific passing numbers. A standout moment in a crucial game occurred in the Rose Bowl clash against Alabama, where McCarthy exhibited his mettle by going 17-of-27 for 221 yards and three touchdowns. Despite an early scare with an ill-advised pass, narrowly avoiding interception, McCarthy showcased resilience and an ability to rise to the occasion in challenging circumstances.
As the 2024 NFL Draft looms, McCarthy finds himself in a tier just below the top prospects, with North Carolina’s Drake Maye and USC’s Caleb Williams projected as the potential first two picks among quarterbacks. McCarthy’s standing places him alongside notable quarterbacks Jayden Daniels of LSU, the 2023 Heisman winner, and Michael Penix Jr. from Washington. The draft promises to be a pivotal moment in McCarthy’s career, offering the prospect of stepping into the professional league with aspirations of making a substantial impact.
McCarthy’s decision to enter the NFL Draft resolves one of the pressing questions for Michigan’s 2024 season—the quarterback situation. However, the spotlight now shifts to another critical question concerning the future of head coach Jim Harbaugh. Speculation abounds regarding Harbaugh’s potential return to the NFL, given recent flirtations with professional opportunities. Alternatively, he may choose to solidify his commitment to Michigan through a substantial contract extension, potentially securing the position of the highest-paid coach in college football. With McCarthy’s immediate future settled and the path clear for Alex Orji to assume the starting quarterback role in 2024, the focus intensifies on Harbaugh’s imminent decision, casting a significant shadow over the Wolverines’ upcoming season.
