NFL
JJ McCarthy
QB · #9 · Minnesota Vikings
At Michigan
2021-2023
Drafted
Round 1, Pick 10 · 2024 · Minnesota Vikings
Honours
2023 National Champion
What they did in Ann Arbor
2-0 Against Ohio State, 2 Big Ten Titles, and a National Championship
Overview
JJ McCarthy is one of the most successful quarterbacks in Michigan football history. In two seasons as the full-time starter (2022–2023), he compiled a 27-1 record, led the Wolverines to three straight Big Ten titles, three College Football Playoff appearances, and the 2023 national championship.
His career winning percentage of .964 as a starter ranks among the highest in modern FBS history.
Career Statistics (Michigan)
Season | Games | Starts | Record | Comp | Att | Pct | Yards | TD | INT | Rating | Rush Yds | Rush TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | 11 | 0 | — | 34 | 59 | 57.6 | 516 | 5 | 2 | 152.3 | 124 | 2 |
2022 | 14 | 13 | 12-1 | 208 | 322 | 64.6 | 2,719 | 22 | 5 | 155.0 | 306 | 5 |
2023 | 15 | 15 | 15-0 | 240 | 332 | 72.3 | 2,991 | 22 | 4 | 167.4 | 202 | 3 |
Career | 40 | 28 | 27-1 | 482 | 713 | 67.6 | 6,226 | 49 | 11 | 160.5 | 632 | 10 |
Career Rankings at Michigan
Career winning percentage as starter: Highest in modern program history
Career completion percentage: 1st
Career passer rating: 1st
Career interception rate: 1st (lowest)
Career touchdown-to-interception ratio: 1st (4.5:1)
Career touchdown passes: Tied for 4th
2023 Season – National Championship
McCarthy started all 15 games in 2023 and led Michigan to a perfect 15-0 record and the program’s first national championship since 1997.
2,991 passing yards
22 touchdowns
4 interceptions
72.3% completion rate
167.4 passer rating
Awards & Honors (2023)
Griese-Brees Big Ten Quarterback of the Year
Consensus First-Team All-Big Ten
Finalist – Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Finalist – Manning Award
10th in Heisman Trophy voting
Rose Bowl Offensive MVP (CFP Semifinal)
Notable Games & Moments
2022 vs. Ohio State: Helped end a long drought against the Buckeyes.
2022 College Football Playoff: Led Michigan to the Fiesta Bowl (CFP Semifinal).
2023 Regular Season: Undefeated run through a full Big Ten schedule.
2023 Rose Bowl (CFP Semifinal) vs. Alabama: Strong performance in a physical win.
2024 National Championship vs. Washington: Closed out the perfect season.
McCarthy’s only loss as a starter came in the 2022 CFP Semifinal against TCU.
Legacy at Michigan
McCarthy arrived as a highly touted recruit and left as a championship quarterback. He developed from a dual-threat prospect into an efficient, high-percentage passer who thrived in Michigan’s physical, run-oriented system.
Key traits that defined his Michigan career:
Elite decision-making and low turnover rate
Ability to operate within structure
Consistent production in high-stakes games
Leadership during the most successful three-year stretch in modern program history
He remains one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Michigan history by winning percentage, efficiency metrics, and team success.
Quick Facts
Hometown: La Grange Park, Illinois
High School: Nazareth Academy / IMG Academy
Height/Weight (Michigan): 6-3, ~200 lbs
Drafted: 2024 NFL Draft, Round 1, Pick 10 (Minnesota Vikings)
Michigan Record as Starter: 27-1