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Greg McElroy gives thoughts on QB situations at Michigan, Ohio State for 2023
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Greg McElroy released his preseason top 10 on Thursday, and both Michigan and Ohio State were near the top.
Michigan was slotted in at No. 2 in McElroy’s rankings, behind only No. 1 Georgia. Ohio State wasn’t far behind at No. 4 in the rankings.
McElroy is bullish on both teams in 2023, but the Wolverines have a clear separator in returning quarterback JJ McCarthy.
“A lot of my excitement about Michigan centers around the improvement of JJ McCarthy,” McElroy said on Always College Football. “I think he’s really on the cusp of becoming a superstar in the world of college football. I think he’s the best quarterback in the Big Ten right now.
“I would be surprised if he doesn’t take a significant step this year in 2023.”
Ohio State has less certainty at the quarterback position with CJ Stroud now in the NFL. However, McElroy did say he wasn’t necessarily concerned about what the Buckeyes will have at that position between Devin Brown and Kyle McCord.
“I’ve come to the realization that with some schools, I’m just not going to worry about the quarterback spot,” McElroy said. “When was the last time the quarterback spot was a legitimate liability? Because I don’t remember a time.
“Whether it’s Kyle McCord or Devin Brown, they’re going to be just fine.”
Still, the lack of proven production at that position — as well as back-to-back rivalry game wins by Michigan — appear to be enough for McElroy to give Michigan the edge in the preseason.
Michigan will host Ohio State in the final week of the regular season on Nov. 25.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.