JJ McCarthy grew up a Buckeye fan and planned on committing to Ohio State as a five-star quarterback in the class of 2021. That said, legend has it that the Bucks asked him to wait to commit, which he planned on doing; yet, in April of 2019, fellow class of 2021 quarterback Kyle McCord committed in his place. In turn, McCarthy committed to Jim Harbaugh just 11 days later, setting up a colossal matchup between the Michigan football QB and the Buckeye QB, both former five-stars, which we will get to see come to fruition in just a few days.
Michigan football QB looking for third-straight win over Ohio State
As I said, Michigan football QB JJ McCarthy was an Ohio State fan growing up; however, once he committed to the Maize and Blue, he hasn’t looked back even once. Even before arriving on campus in Ann Arbor, it felt like McCarthy was destined to become a Michigan legend, and since he first suited up in the winged helmet, Michigan football has seen an astounding turnaround.
“I grew up first being an Ohio State fan. I won’t lie, I did,” JJ McCarthy said Monday. “But God had different plans for me and showed me the way, and I’m very blessed and appreciative to be here, that’s for damn sure.”
Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines, who were knocking on the door for five straight seasons, averaging 10 wins per season but unable to overcome Ohio State and get to the next level, finally started beating Ohio State in 2021 — McCarthy’s freshman year at Michigan. Since JJ McCarthy got to campus, Michigan is 36-3 overall with two wins over the Buckeyes, two Big Ten titles, and two CFP appearances; in fact, JJ himself is 23-1 as Michigan’s starting quarterback, earning a 45-23 win over OSU in Columbus last fall.
Kyle McCord, on the other hand, has been sitting patiently in Columbus, waiting his turn to be Ohio State’s starting quarterback — a role he officially earned a few games into the 2023 season. His play this year has been nothing special, though it’s been enough to get the Buckeyes to 11-0 heading into “The Game” for the second season in a row.
JJ McCarthy, Kyle McCord have unique relationship
On Monday, Michigan football QB JJ McCarthy had a chance to explain his unique relationship with Kyle McCord — one that doesn’t exactly embody the spirit of the Michigan football-Ohio State rivalry.
“Kyle (McCord) is my guy,” JJ McCarthy explained on Monday. “Ever since growing up and going to all these satellite camps and all these (recruiting services) — Rivals, 247, all that. We were always there together, and we just kind of meshed. (We’re) two alike personalities, and it’s gonna be really cool (playing him this weekend). It’s gonna be really surreal to see him out there in this environment, this game. Going out there and wishing him safety and making sure he stays healthy.
“He’s gonna give our defense a little bit some trouble at times,” JJ added. “And we’ve got to respond and be able to attack him in any way possible.”
This weekend, the JJ McCarthy vs. Kyle McCord, Michigan football vs. Ohio State battle will finally pan out on the field. It’s a battle that has been years in the making — one that will win one team the Big Ten title and likely a spot in the CFP, while the loser will go home empty-handed.
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