Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy has made the decision to enter the 2024 NFL Draft after an outstanding collegiate career with the Wolverines. McCarthy's announcement comes on the heels of his instrumental role in leading Michigan to an undefeated season and capturing the program's first national championship since 1997.

In a statement posted on social media, McCarthy expressed gratitude for his time at the University of Michigan and acknowledged the difficulty of his decision. He consulted with family, revered individuals within and outside of football, including Coach Harbaugh, before ultimately opting to enter the draft.

McCarthy's ascent to the starting position occurred during the 2022 season, following a shared role with Cade McNamara in 2021. In the 2023 season, McCarthy showcased his skills, completing 240-of-332 passes for 2,911 yards and throwing 22 touchdown passes. His efficiency was evident, as he ranked sixth in the nation in completion percentage and only threw four interceptions.

As McCarthy looks towards the NFL, his arm strength and athleticism have garnered attention from teams seeking a future franchise quarterback. However, it is worth noting that, at Michigan, the team often relied on a strong running game and a ball-control offense, emphasizing defensive prowess as the key to victory in crucial matchups.

Throughout the 2023 season, McCarthy's passing attempts were limited in certain games, highlighting Michigan's strategic approach. Notably, he didn't attempt a pass in the second half of the Wolverines' victory over Penn State and seldom threw more than 30 passes in a single game. Nevertheless, McCarthy delivered impressive performances when called upon, such as his 17-of-27 passing for 221 yards and three touchdowns against Alabama in the Rose Bowl.

The upcoming NFL Draft is expected to feature top quarterback prospects, including North Carolina's Drake Maye and USC's Caleb Williams, potentially being selected in the first two picks. McCarthy is likely to be placed in the tier below them, alongside quarterbacks like LSU's Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman winner, and Washington's Michael Penix Jr.

McCarthy's decision to declare for the draft brings clarity to his future and resolves one of the pressing questions surrounding the Michigan program heading into the 2024 season. The remaining question revolves around the future of head coach Jim Harbaugh. Speculation suggests that Harbaugh may consider returning to the NFL or sign a significant contract extension, potentially making him the highest-paid coach in college football. With McCarthy's path secured as he heads to the NFL, all eyes now turn to Harbaugh and his decision regarding his coaching career at Michigan.