Wolverine Digest

ESPN predicts QB J.J. McCarthy's production in Year 1 as starter for Minnesota Vikings

It's a mostly good year for McCarthy if this comes true.
Trent Knoop|
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Michigan WolverinesMinnesota Vikings

After the Minnesota Vikings traded up to select Michigan football QB J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings faithful had to wait a full season before they could really see their new franchise QB. A preseason injury sidelined McCarthy all of last season, and he sat and watched as Sam Darnold led the Vikings to the playoffs. But it's now McCarthy's time in Minnesota after the Vikings let Darnold walk in free agency.

Minnesota loaded up in free agency to help McCarthy succeed in what's going to be his first season starting in the NFL. The Vikings signed two starting offensive linemen, drafted Donovan Jackson from Ohio State for O-line help, and even drafted Maryland WR Tai Felton.

With added help via free agency and the draft, ESPN's Mike Clay predicts a mostly good season from McCarthy in 2025. In Clay's annual stat predictions, here's what he has McCarthy doing for the Vikings this season.

15 games played, 347-for-537 for 3,705 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He also has McCarthy carrying the ball 48 times for 206 yards and two touchdowns.

To compare, last year's Rookie of the Year, Jayden Daniels threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine INTs. So Clay believes McCarthy might make a few more 'rookie' mistakes than what Daniels made for Washington last season.

With Kevin O'Connell leading the charge in Minnesota, most of the QBs he has coached have succeeded. There isn't much doubt that McCarthy will do well under O'Connell's guidance, along with having a guy like Justin Jefferson to throw to.

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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