Wolverine Digest

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy ranked ahead of Caleb Williams, Sam Darnold in 2025 QB rankings

The first-year starter is already ahead of the curve in the rankings.
Trent Knoop|
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OTAs began in the NFL this week and former Michigan football star QB J.J. McCarthy is on his journey becoming a starting signal caller in the league. The Minnesota Vikings' X Account shared a highlight reel of McCarthy performing in practice, and it appears he has already formed a bond with his pass catchers.

Since McCarthy sat his entire rookie season due to a meniscus injury suffered last preseason, fans are excited to see what the Vikings have for the future. Speculation has been mixed on what kind of production the former national champion might have in his first season leading the Vikings. Out of the 32 starting QBs in the NFL, Pro Football Focus' John Kosko ranked McCarthy as the 21st-best QB entering the 2025 season.

I’m leaning on my personal evaluation here, as I had McCarthy as the top quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft," Kosko wrote. " We didn’t get to see him as a rookie, but his 2023 season at Michigan — where he earned a 92.2 PFF grade and a 93.4 passing grade — highlighted everything you want in a young passer. If he’s fully healthy in 2025, and considering what Sam Darnold managed in this offense, McCarthy is set up to succeed."

J.J. McCarth
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Kosko had McCarthy ranked above QBs like Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., Caleb Williams, and former Vikings' starter Sam Darnold, among others. Minnesota has plenty of weapons surrounding McCarthy -- along with a revamped offensive line. The former Wolverine has won wherever he's been, and Viking fans should expect the same in Minnesota.

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

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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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