The University of Michigan has one of the oldest, most iconic, and most influential football programs in the sport of college football. For centuries, Michigan football has led the way on and off the field, winning 11 national titles, 44 Big Ten titles, and more games than any program in the game’s history. Still, there is one thing that we are yet to see the Maize and Blue do; however, that will change when Jadyn Davis takes over for JJ McCarthy.
In the long and storied history of Michigan football, we are yet to see a five-star quarterback replace a five-star quarterback — Jadyn Davis (2024) will do exactly that when JJ McCarthy (2021) inevitably leaves the program in 2023 or 2024.
Jadyn Davis and JJ McCarthy are poised to make Michigan football history
Throughout Michigan’s rich history, we have only once seen the Wolverines line up two five-star quarterbacks in a row: Chad Henne and Ryan Mallett. That being said, after former head coach Lloyd Carr retired in 2007, Mallett decided to leave the program, and the Wolverines were left with a young QB room during their 3-9 season in 2008.
Because of Mallett’s decision to leave, Jadyn Davis and JJ McCarthy will become the first five-star duo in Michigan football history — Davis is a 2024 recruit, meaning that if JJ McCarthy leaves after the 2023 season (or even the 2024 season), he will be in the Maize and Blue just in time to take over as an underclassman.
Jadyn Davis is not the only piece of history in the 2024 class
Right now, the 2024 Michigan football recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best we have ever seen in the program’s history — especially under Jim Harbaugh (since 2015). With ten players committed thus far, including the crown jewel of the class (Jadyn Davis), the Wolverines’ recruiting class currently ranks top-3 in the country and 1st in the Big Ten according to the 247 Sports composite rankings.
Additionally, more commitments are expected soon from major recruits, and the Wolverines still have a few shots at some top-ranked talent as well during spring and summer visits. One thing is for sure: the results on the field are paying off for the Michigan football team, and high school/transfer portal recruits are taking notice.
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