2 Michigan football stars named early favorites for major Big Ten award

Two Michigan football stars are expected to be top contenders for major Big Ten conference honors at the end of the 2023 season.

Blake Corum and JJ McCarthy, both Michigan football stars, will be looked to for leadership and production throughout the 2023 season. They are considered among the best players in the nation. Today, 247 Sports announced the favorites for major Big Ten honors, and both McCarthy and Corum made the cut among the conference’s elite players — these two are being considered early favorites for the ‘Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year’ honor.

Blake Corum

The first Michigan football standout named on 247’s list is Blake Corum, the Wolverines’ exceptional running back. Corum has played a crucial role in leading the Maize and Blue to two consecutive conference titles and beyond. This upcoming fall, with his knee injury fully healed and a national title within reach, Corum is poised to elevate his college career to new heights. The senior running back has already made a promise to deliver a national title and is preparing for an extraordinary season with the Wolverines.

JJ McCarthy

The second Wolverine named is JJ McCarthy, who is entering his third season with the Michigan football program, with the second year as a starter. In the previous season, McCarthy won the starting role over Cade McNamara in Week 2 and went on to secure victories in his first 12 games as a starter. He played a pivotal role in leading the Maize and Blue to an undefeated 12-0 regular season and an impressive 21-point triumph over Purdue in the Big Ten title game.

Although Michigan football narrowly missed out on the College Football Playoff by falling to TCU, it is evident that the team is on the verge of contending for the ultimate prize: a national title. With a year of starting experience now, JJ McCarthy is poised for greatness as he aims to become the first Michigan football quarterback to appear in a national title game.

Additionally, McCarthy likely has personal goals, such as surpassing the Wolverines’ single-season passing touchdown record, which currently stands at a relatively low 25.

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