JJ McCarthy describes the relationship he has with Jim Harbaugh

JJ McCarthy is the greatest quarterback in college football history, according to Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The Wolverines’ QB1 wasn’t sure how to take that kind of compliment. He remained humble when he revealed what his relationship is like with his coach off the field, which has grown exponentially over the past two seasons.

“I get a little uncomfortable with every compliment I get [from him],” McCarthy said on Saturday during national championship media day. “That’s just kind of a personality that I have. I’m just tremendously grateful for him to be my head coach, and obviously, all the great words he says about me means a lot. It’s just a blessing to play for him.”

McCarthy is 26-1 as Michigan’s starting quarterback heading into next Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship against Michael Penix Jr. — who McCarthy said would have received his vote for the Heisman Trophy, if he had one — and the Washington Huskies.

Joining the program 2021, McCarthy has compiled 5,865 passing yards, 46 passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions for Harbaugh’s Wolverines. He’s 2-0 against Ohio State and has led his Wolverines to two consecutive College Football Playoff appearances, and is now 1-1 in those matchups as a starter. Although, he’s looking to make that 2-1 next week and further solidifying his head coach’s sentiment. 

McCarthy has experienced the atmosphere of the College Football Playoff in every season he’s been in Ann Arbor, although his personal experiences have varied. He was a backup in 2021 to Cade McNamara before taking over the reigns in 2022. Both years saw Michigan fall in the CFP semifinals until McCarthy helped his squad get over the hump this season.

During the Rose Bowl alone, McCarthy came up with the only three touchdowns that the Wolverines scored during regulation. He finished the matchup completing 17-of-27 for 221 passing yards and a seismic overtime win over Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide. Now, it leads to a battle of the final undefeated teams in college football.

Whether that same success is replicated in the national championship game remains to be seen, but our questions will be answered when the Wolverines and Huskies kick off from NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday.

The opening kick is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET live on ESPN. Michigan will enter Monday’s matchup as a 4.5-point betting favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under total is set at 56.5 points.