Michigan's JJ McCarthy Leading Wolverines In Heisman Odds

The former five-star prospect is now entering his junior season in Ann Arbor, and the expectations for McCarthy and the Wolverines are as high as they've ever been.

It's safe to say that the expectations for Michigan heading into the 2023 season are as high as they've ever been. One of the many reasons for the high expectations in Ann Arbor is due to the return of veteran quarterback JJ McCarthy. Entering his junior season, McCarthy is considered one of the top quarterbacks in all of college football, as evidenced by the latest Heisman odds released by Caesar's Sportsbook.   

Here is a look at 11 Heisman hopefuls at +1800 or better to win the nation's most prestigious individual honor next season. 🏈

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— 247Sports (@247Sports) May 17, 2023

His numbers from 2022 don't necessarily jump off the page when compared to guys like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, but McCarthy certainly has all of the traits necessary to capture the coveted Heisman trophy in 2023. 

The former five-star recruit won the starting job at Michigan in Week 2 of the 2022 season, and then proceeded to lead the Wolverines to a 13-1 overall record, a massive road win against No. 2 Ohio State, a second-consecutive Big Ten Championship, and another appearance in the College Football Playoff. It was one of Michigan's most successful seasons in program history, and McCarthy was a critical part in making it happen. 

The sophomore signal caller would end up finishing the 2022 season with a completion percentage of nearly 65 percent, accounting for 2,719 yards and 22 touchdowns through the air.

Whether it's his on-field talent, or the incredible leadership qualities he possesses at such a young age, it's no surprise that McCarthy is also being viewed as a potential first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. ESPN college football analyst Todd McShay recently placed McCarthy in the first-round for his early 2024 mock draft - with the Michigan quarterback being selected No. 20 overall to the Minnesota Vikings. 

“McCarthy is intriguing because of his 6-foot-3 frame, running ability, accuracy and arm talent,” McShay wrote. “In Minnesota, Kirk Cousins is entering the final year of his deal and the team could move on. Despite winning 13 games last season, the Vikings were outside the top 20 in QBR (49.9).

“McCarthy could be the future for a team like Minnesota if he takes the next step in 2023.”