JJ McCarthy reacts to leading Michigan to College Football Playoff National Championship

After over a quarter of a century, Michigan sits atop college football as the 2024 College Football Playoff National Champions. The Wolverines, in large part, have quarterback J.J. McCarthy‘s game management to thank for that.

Defeating Washington 34-13, McCarthy tried to put into words what this moment means to him and the rest of his program.

“It’s glorious — that’s all I can say,” McCarthy told ESPN’s Holly Rowe on the field postgame. “I just love my teammates so much. I love my coaches. It’s bittersweet because this is gonna be the last time we get to play together. I love those guys so much. It’s just such a special group. There’s no better way to end it.”

McCarthy finished the game in the shadow of Michigan’s over-powered rushing game having passed for 140 yards and 10 of 18 completions. He did not score a touchdown but more importantly, he did not turn the ball over — and neither did Michigan at all.

Of course, McCarthy was just a passenger in what was an incredible rushing display from the Michigan offensive front. Totaling over 300 yards on the ground, running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards rushed for over 100 yards a piece to go four total touchdowns during the contest.

While Michigan’s offensive line controlled Washington in the trenches, the Wolverines were doing the same thing on defense. Holding standout tailback Dillon Johnson to 33 yards and 11 carries, the Huskies finished with under 50 yards rushing on the night. Michael Penix Jr. was able to throw for over 250 yards, but threw two interceptions and was roughed up on multiple occasions throughout the contest.

Now, the Wolverines have secured their first national championship since 1997, and the first 15-0 season in program history.

Of course, now it becomes decision time for McCarthy and his head coach Jim Harbaugh. Both are rumored to be interested in a run at the professional level. According to recent reports, the expectation for McCarthy is to test the 2024 NFL Draft waters.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, with McCarthy being 27-1 as a starter, 2-0 against Ohio State, a two-time Big Ten Champion and now a national champion — there isn’t much else for him to accomplish in Ann Arbor.

No matter what McCarthy’s future holds and the success that comes with it, he’s still not forgetting where he comes from.

“I’m just JJ McCarthy, a kid from the La Grange Park, Illinois who is trying to be the best he could possibly be every day. That’s all I think of myself as.”