JJ McCarthy: Michigan Stats | Record as a Starter | Career Stats

J. J. McCarthy emerged as one of the most successful quarterbacks in the modern era of Michigan Wolverines football. Known for his leadership, efficiency, and winning record, McCarthy helped guide Michigan to multiple championships and one of the most dominant stretches in program history.

From his early days as a five-star recruit to becoming the starting quarterback in Ann Arbor, McCarthy’s college career featured impressive statistics, a remarkable record as a starter, and historic team success.

In this article, we break down JJ McCarthy’s Michigan stats, record as a starter, and full career statistics, while exploring his impact on the Wolverines program.

JJ McCarthy Michigan Career Overview

JJ McCarthy played college football at Michigan from 2021 to 2023 under head coach Jim Harbaugh. During that period, he developed from a rotational freshman quarterback into one of the most efficient passers in school history.

McCarthy arrived in Ann Arbor as a highly touted recruit and quickly proved his talent. He combined strong arm strength, mobility, and decision-making ability, which allowed Michigan to run a balanced offensive attack.

His career highlights include:

• Leading Michigan to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship

• Winning Big Ten Quarterback of the Year

• Finishing as a Heisman Trophy top-10 finalist

• Posting one of the best winning percentages by a starting quarterback in college football history

In only three seasons, McCarthy built a résumé that placed him among the greatest quarterbacks in Michigan football history.

JJ McCarthy Michigan Stats

Over his career with the Wolverines, McCarthy produced strong passing and rushing numbers while maintaining exceptional efficiency.

Career Passing Stats at Michigan

McCarthy’s completion percentage and interception rate rank among the best in Michigan history. His touchdown-to-interception ratio of 49–11 demonstrates his accuracy and careful decision-making.

Career Rushing Stats

His mobility added another dimension to Michigan’s offense. While not a run-first quarterback, McCarthy used his legs effectively in key situations.

Overall, he finished his college career with:

• 6,858 total yards

• 59 total touchdowns

JJ McCarthy Record as a Starter

One of the most remarkable aspects of McCarthy’s college career is his record as a starting quarterback.

Starter Record

• 27 wins

• 1 loss

• Winning percentage: 96.4%

This record is one of the highest winning percentages by a starting quarterback in college football history.

The only quarterbacks with comparable winning percentages are historical legends like:

• Chuck Ealey

• Jimmy Harris

McCarthy’s success was fueled by Michigan’s strong defense, running game, and his ability to limit turnovers.

JJ McCarthy Michigan Stats by Season

To fully understand McCarthy’s development, it’s helpful to look at his statistics season by season.

2021 Season (Freshman Year)

McCarthy entered Michigan as a true freshman and served mainly as a backup behind Cade McNamara.

2021 Stats

• Games: 11

• Completions: 34

• Attempts: 59

• Completion Rate: 57.6%

• Passing Yards: 516

• Passing TDs: 5

• Interceptions: 2

• Rushing TDs: 2

Despite limited playing time, McCarthy showed flashes of his potential. Coaches often used him in special packages that utilized his mobility.

This season helped him gain experience before taking over the starting role.

2022 Season (First Year as Starter)

McCarthy became the full-time starting quarterback in the second game of the 2022 season.

He quickly established himself as a reliable playmaker.

2022 Stats

• Completions: 208

• Attempts: 322

• Completion %: 64.6%

• Passing Yards: 2,719

• Passing TDs: 22

• Interceptions: 5

• Rushing Yards: 306

• Rushing TDs: 5

That season, McCarthy led Michigan to:

• A Big Ten Championship

• A College Football Playoff appearance

• A victory over archrival Ohio State Buckeyes football

His combination of efficiency and athleticism made him one of the top quarterbacks in the conference.

2023 Season (Career Best Year)

McCarthy’s best season came in 2023, when he led Michigan to an undefeated national championship run.

2023 Stats

• Games: 15

• Completions: 240

• Attempts: 332

• Completion %: 72.3%

• Passing Yards: 2,991

• Passing TDs: 22

• Interceptions: 4

• Rushing Yards: 202

• Rushing TDs: 3

His 72.3% completion rate set a Michigan single-season record.

McCarthy finished the year with numerous honors:

• Big Ten Quarterback of the Year

• First-Team All-Big Ten

• Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award finalist

Most importantly, he helped Michigan finish the season 15–0, culminating in a national championship victory.

JJ McCarthy’s Impact on Michigan Football

Statistics alone don’t fully capture McCarthy’s importance to the Wolverines program.

His leadership helped Michigan achieve:

• Three straight Big Ten titles

• Three College Football Playoff appearances

• A national championship

Under his leadership, Michigan regained its dominance in the Big Ten and consistently defeated rivals like Ohio State.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh even described McCarthy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Michigan history after key playoff performances.

JJ McCarthy vs Other Michigan Quarterbacks

Michigan has produced many notable quarterbacks over the decades.

Some of the most famous include:

• Tom Brady

• Chad Henne

• Denard Robinson

However, McCarthy’s winning percentage and efficiency metrics rank among the best ever for the program.

His combination of winning, accuracy, and leadership helped cement his legacy.

JJ McCarthy in Big Games

One of McCarthy’s strengths was performing in high-pressure situations.

Notable performances include:

Rose Bowl vs Alabama (2024 CFP semifinal)

Against Alabama Crimson Tide football, McCarthy threw:

• 221 passing yards

• 3 touchdowns

• 0 interceptions

Michigan won 27–20 in overtime, sending the team to the national championship.

Wins Against Ohio State

McCarthy also played a key role in Michigan’s victories over Ohio State, throwing four touchdowns and no interceptions across two wins against the rival program.

These performances strengthened his reputation as a clutch quarterback.

JJ McCarthy’s Legacy at Michigan

When McCarthy left Michigan for the NFL, he did so with one of the most successful careers in program history.

His legacy includes:

• 27–1 record as starter

• 49 passing touchdowns

• Over 6,000 passing yards

• A national championship

• Multiple conference titles

More importantly, he helped restore Michigan to the top tier of college football.

For fans in Ann Arbor, McCarthy represents the quarterback who helped usher in a championship era.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are JJ McCarthy’s Michigan career stats?

JJ McCarthy finished his Michigan career with:

• 6,226 passing yards

• 49 passing touchdowns

• 11 interceptions

• 67.6% completion rate

• 632 rushing yards

• 10 rushing touchdowns.

What was JJ McCarthy’s record as a starter?

McCarthy posted an outstanding 27–1 record as Michigan’s starting quarterback, giving him one of the best winning percentages in college football history.

How many seasons did JJ McCarthy play at Michigan?

He played three seasons (2021–2023) with the Wolverines before entering the NFL Draft.

What were JJ McCarthy’s best season stats?

His best season was 2023, when he threw:

• 2,991 yards

• 22 touchdowns

• 4 interceptions

• 72.3% completion rate.

Did JJ McCarthy win a national championship?

Yes. McCarthy helped lead Michigan to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Conclusion

JJ McCarthy’s Michigan career combined winning, efficiency, and championship success. His impressive 27–1 record as a starter, combined with more than 6,000 passing yards and 49 touchdowns, makes him one of the most successful quarterbacks in Michigan history.

While some quarterbacks post larger raw numbers, McCarthy’s value came from his ability to win games, protect the football, and perform in big moments.

For Michigan fans, his era will always be remembered as one of the program’s greatest periods — highlighted by conference dominance and a national championship.