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JJ McCarthy officially announces plans for 2024 season

Spenser Davis

By Spenser Davis

Published:

JJ McCarthy is going out on top.

The Michigan quarterback announced on Sunday afternoon that he will forego the remainder of his eligibility and declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. McCarthy departs Michigan after leading the Wolverines to their first national championship since 1997.

“I have talked to many in and out of football, including my family, coach Harbaugh, and many who’s opinions I greatly admire and respect,” McCarthy wrote in-part. “This decision was not easy and how could it be — I love my teammates, I love my coaches and I love it here in Ann Arbor.”

Here’s his announcement:

McCarthy’s announcement included a special message to Michigan fans:

“I have said it before, the University of Michigan is the greatest University in the world. Every time I walked out of the tunnel to see over 100K in Maize & Blue, I have felt the love and support from all of you. I felt it when we beat Ohio State three times. I felt it when we won three Big Ten Championships, when we won the Rose Bowl and of course, when we won the national championship, and last night when we celebrated at Crisler.

All I can say is THANK YOU. Thank you for believing in us, for believing in me and for all you do for this university.”

McCarthy had a tremendous career at Michigan. He presided over the Wolverines’ offense as they won back-to-back Big Ten titles and reached the College Football Playoff two years in a row.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh previously called McCarthy the greatest quarterback in Michigan history based on what he has accomplished during his time in Ann Arbor.

“I’ve said it before, but right here, this is the greatest quarterback in University of Michigan – college football history,” Harbaugh said after the Rose Bowl. “Got a long way to go to get to get where Tom Brady eventually got to, which is the GOAT.

“But in a college career there’s been nobody at Michigan better than JJ. I know we talk about it an amalgamation of quarterbacks. He is that guy.”

In his final season with the Wolverines, McCarthy threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions in 15 games. He threw for 221 yards and 3 touchdowns in a comeback win over Alabama in the Rose Bowl to send the Wolverines to the national title game.

McCarthy is expected to be considered by teams in the 1st round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The draft will be held from April 25-27.

Spenser Davis

Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.