J.J. McCarthy declares for 2024 NFL Draft after winning national championship with Michigan

J.J. McCarthy is “forever a Michigan man,” but he’s moving on from the Wolverines. Fresh off of leading Michigan to the CFP national championship last week, the junior quarterback announced Sunday he’s declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. “I have talked to many in and out of football, including my family, Coach [Jim] Harbaugh, and many [whose] opinions I greatly admire and respect,” McCarthy wrote in his announcement on social media.

“This decision was not easy and how could it be — I love my teammates, I love my coaches and I love it here in Ann Arbor.” McCarthy, whom some project to go in the first round, threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions in 15 games for Michigan while completing 72.3 percent of his passes.

The 20 year old added 202 rushing yards and three rushing scores. After Michigan’s CFP semifinal win over Alabama in the Rose Bowl, Harbaugh declared McCarthy “the greatest quarterback in University of Michigan history,” taking into consideration college performance only. “I get a little uncomfortable with every compliment I get,” McCarthy told reporters in response.

“That’s just the personality I have. I’m just tremendously grateful for him to be my head coach. Obviously, all the great words he says about me means a lot and it’s a blessing to play for him.” It’s possible Harbaugh, the former 49ers coach, could follow McCarthy to the NFL as he’s set to interview with the Chargers .

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is hoping to hammer out a new contract with Harbaugh, but having brought Michigan a national title, Harbaugh may be ready to make the jump back to the pros. Harbaugh took the 49ers to the Super Bowl 11 years ago, losing to his brother John’s Ravens, 34 31..