Is J.J McCarthy staying at Michigan in 2024? Analyzing the various alternatives for Michigan QB
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J McCarthy is at a crossroads in his college football career. He can decide to either stay at Michigan and try to defend the Wolverines’ national championship, or declare for the NFL Draft.
McCarthy is not a generational prospect, but he has been able to lead the Wolverines to an unbeaten season. But, where will J.J. McCarthy be playing football next year?
Is J.J. McCarthy staying at Michigan?
At the moment, McCarthy has not confirmed anything about what his future may bring. However, what could happen may be dependent on the decision made by Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Harbaugh has been linked with many NFL teams in the past few weeks. To combat this, the Wolverines have offered Harbaugh a new contract with a 'No NFL clause' to stop him from signing with an NFL team. However, this will only last one year.
If Harbaugh were to sign with an NFL team, it has been rumored that McCarthy would declare for the draft to have the chance to work with Harbaugh. But, if he were to declare this year, which teams would want to sign him?
Which teams could draft J.J. McCarthy?
This year's quarterback class is strong and features the likes of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Heisman Trophy winner Jaylen Daniels. Those three players will be the most wanted quarterbacks on the board.
Realistically, if McCarthy were to declare for the draft, McCarthy would be the fourth-best quarterback on the board.
This means that he could be a first-round pick in the mid-10s. Teams that could draft him are the ones who need a quarterback. These include the Minnesota Vikings, who may want to move on from Kirk Cousins; the Denver Broncos, whose relationship with Russell Wilson may be over; and the Las Vegas Raiders, who need a quarterback to go along with their resurgent team.
List of Michigan players returning in 2024
The players who are returning to the Wolverines in 2024 include running back Blake Corum, who scored the winning touchdowns in both the National Championship game and the Rose Bowl. Also returning is Cornelius Johnson, a star wide receiver, and Kris Jenkins Jr, a strong leader on the Wolverines defense.
Here is a list of those players whose return to the Wolverines for the next season is confirmed.
Cornelius Johnson
Kris Jenkins Jr
Michael Barrett
Zak Zinter
Trevor Keegan
Blake Corum
Mike Sainristil