Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy Says Sign-Stealing Was Reaction to Ohio State

The Wolverines signal-caller claims that the Buckeyes were stealing signs before his program’s sign-stealing scandal this season.

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy didn’t let the program’s ongoing sign-stealing investigation distract him from helping the team win games this season.

McCarthy believes college football teams stealing signs has “been around for years” and is a normal practice in the college football landscape. However, during Wednesday’s College Football Playoff conference call, the Wolverines’ star said the program’s latest scandal is a response to Ohio State legally stealing Michigan’s signs in previous years.

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“We actually had to adapt because in 2020 and 2019 when Ohio State was stealing our signs, which is legal,” McCarthy said, per On3. “We had get up to the level that they were at, and we had to make it an even playing field.”

McCarthy pointed fingers at Ohio State’s own sign-stealing operation when asked about the scandal surrounding his Michigan program this season :: Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

“I don’t want to say a crazy number, but I’d say a good number, 80% of teams in college football steal signs,” McCarthy added.

No. 1 Michigan is coming off 27–20 overtime win against Alabama in the 2024 Rose Bowl on Monday. The junior signal-caller played an integral part in helping the Wolverines defeat the Crimson Tide, throwing for 221 yards on 17 of 27 passes and three touchdowns while rushing for 25 yards on the ground.

McCarthy looks to put together another noteworthy performance next Monday when Michigan faces No. 2 Washington in the College Football Playoff national championship game at 7:30 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston.