JJ McCarthy is wrapping up his second season as Michigan’s starting quarterback and his third total season with the program. He has developed into a program legend and one of the all-time greats for the Wolverines, but McCarthy was not always a fan of Michigan.

In fact, McCarthy said at a Monday press conference that he is a fan of both teams in The Game. Asked what he meant about that, the QB said he grew up first being an Ohio State fan.

That’s obviously changed with McCarthy pointing out that God “showed me the way” over time.

“I grew up first being an Ohio State fan, I won’t lie. I did,” said McCarthy, “But you know, God had different plans for me and showed me the way and I’m very blessed and appreciative to be here, that’s for damn sure.”

Asked about the 2021 version of The Game inside the Big House, McCarthy admitted it was “magical” and felt like a movie. Though he did not start, McCarthy did see some action as a true freshman as the Wolverines ended their skid against Ohio State.

“It’s kind of like a meme, it was cinema. It really was, it was just a movie,” McCarthy described. “Felt like the crowd was one heartbeat that was meshed with the team.”