On Sunday, Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy announced via social media that he would be entering the 2024 NFL Draft.
During the Wolverines’ championship parade and celebration on Saturday, fans in attendance chanted ‘one more year’ at the quarterback in hopes to convince him to stay. Alas, he is leaving Michigan.
“This decision was not easy and how could it be — I love my teammates, I love my coaches and I love it here in Ann Arbor,” he said via his announcement. McCarthy’s decision comes just a day following his engagement to longtime girlfriend Katya Kuropas.
During the 2023 season, McCarthy scored 22 touchdowns with 2,991 yards through the air for a QBR of 83.6. Against No. 2 Washington in the championship game, he finished 10-of-18 for 140 yards. He had four carries for 31 yards, including a 22-yard dash that converted Michigan’s lone third-down success in the game. Michigan won, 34-13.
Also on Sunday, news broke that Jim Harbaugh would be interviewing for the coaching vacancy with the Los Angeles Chargers. Many assumed that McCarthy would stay at Michigan if Harbaugh stayed. Could this be a sign?
Forever a Michigan Man 💙🙏 pic.twitter.com/0i50FzLsoB
— J.J. McCarthy (@jjmccarthy09) January 14, 2024
Other Wolverines declare
McCarthy isn’t the only student-athlete to announce his decision to enter the 2024 NFL Draft.
Star running back Blake Corum, to no surprise, also announced his decision to enter the draft. Corum set program records in his final year with the Maize and Blue, scoring 27 touchdowns in one season and 58 total rushing scores — including a pair in the national championship game.
Wide receiver Roman Wilson, who put up 789 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023, also declared. Offensive linemen Zak Zinter and Drake Nugent have also announced intentions to go pro.
Defensively, EDGE rushers Jaylen Harrell and Braiden McGregor announced they are leaving for the NFL. Harrell was a full-time starter in 2023, racking up a team-high 10 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. McGregor trailed just behind Harrell with nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks along with a forced fumble.
Defensive tackle Khris Jenkins announced Friday he is entering the draft, finishing the season with 37 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Linebacker Junior Colson and corner back Josh Wallace are leaving as well, along with German Green.
Facing a Monday deadline, other Wolverines are expected to declare and/or have yet to make decisions on their future. Most notable of these names is defensive back Mike Sainristil.
