JJ McCarthy Makes Top 10 List For Returning Quarterbacks In 2023

After a solid first year as starting quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines, quarterback JJ McCarthy is expected to take a big step forward as a junior in 2023.

It wasn't perfect, but most Michigan Football fans can agree that JJ McCarthy's first year as a full-time starter went about as well as they could have hoped for. 

After beating out former U-M quarterback Cade McNamara for the starting spot in Week Two, McCarthy proceeded to lead the Wolverines to 12-straight wins, including a dominant road win over Ohio State and a second consecutive Big Ten Championship with a win over Purdue.

Now, as he prepares for his junior year in Ann Arbor, McCarthy is being recognized as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. According to Pro Football Focus, McCarthy ranks No. 8 overall when it comes to returning quarterbacks in 2023 - joining guys like Caleb Williams (USC) and Drake Maye (UNC).

Here's what PFF College had to say about McCarthy's ranking:

McCarthy seized the starting job from Cade McNamara in the second game of the season and didn’t look back, quarterbacking Michigan to its second straight Big Ten title and playoff berth. He thrives outside of the original play design. McCarthy’s five passing touchdowns outside of structure were tied with Drake Maye and trailed only Caleb Williams and Bryce Young among Power Five quarterbacks. 

You can view the entire top ten list from PFF College here.

During the 2022 season, McCarthy became the first quarterback to win his first 12 starts, passing former U-M QB Dennis Franklin (1972) who won his first 10 starts before suffering a loss. He finished his sophomore season with 22 touchdown passes, just four short of breaking Michigan's single-season record of 25 (Elvis Grbac, 1991/Chad Henne, 2004). McCarthy's 2,719 passing yards in are also good for No. 8 on Michigan's all-time single season list - passing Tom Brady at No. 9 with 2,636 (1998) and Shea Patterson at No. 10 with 2,600 (2018). 

In addition to the arm talent, he also proved to be a true dual-threat weapon for the Wolverines, finishing the season with 306 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 70 attempts.

Some great games this weekend! Y'all see Michigan's quarterback J.J. McCarthy scramble against Maryland? @jjmccarthy09 @UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/TkBmAQxocS

— Francis Tarkenton (@Fran_Tarkenton) September 26, 2022