Greg McElroy says JJ McCarthy is ‘clear’ No. 1 quarterback in Big Ten

ESPN analyst Greg McElroy believes there is no question that JJ McCarthy is the best quarterback in the Big Ten. With Ohio State‘s CJ Stroud on to the NFL, the stage is set for the Michigan signal caller to take over as the star in the conference.

In a recent episode of the Always College Football podcast, McElroy explained that, to him, McCarthy enters the season as the “very clear” No. 1 quarterback in the Big Ten.

“It feels very clear as to who the best quarterback in the Big Ten is,” the analyst said. “At least to me it is. Considering he beat out another guy that’s in my top five, that says all you need to know. JJ McCarthy at Michigan is the top returning signal caller there in the Big Ten.”

McCarthy began last season splitting reps with Cade McNamara but started every game from Week 2 on. He put together a strong year to finish with 2,719 yards passing, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions as the Wolverines won the Big Ten title and advanced to the College Football Playoff for the second straight season.

McCarthy isn’t just dangerous as a passer, however. He also made defenses pay with his legs as he recorded 306 yards rushing and five touchdowns in 2022. Now with a full season of experience under his belt and a year to improve, McElroy believes McCarthy has what it takes to take another big leap forward.

“Finished his sophomore season, first full season as a starting quarterback, completed more than 65%,” the analyst explained. “Did a really good job, I thought, managing the offense from time-to-time, but did showcase flashes of superstar potential. Now, it wasn’t always there. It wasn’t always crazy consistent. But you add in the dual-threat nature that he can keep the defense honest too, it makes him the Belle of the ball there in the Big Ten.”

Still, there are plenty of quarterbacks in the Big Ten who will work to challenge McCarthy for the top spot. Taulia Tagovailoa is back for his third season as the starter at Maryland after topping 3,000 yards in back-to-back years. Penn State is set to start former five-star prospect Drew Allar while McNamara is on to Iowa after losing out to McCarthy last season.

Ultimately, though, McCarthy gets the nod over those other options, at least in McElroy’s opinion. He’ll hope to prove the ESPN analyst right when Michigan opens its season against East Carolina on Sept. 2.