Imagine you’re cast as the lead in a blockbuster film, but just as the cameras start rolling, you’re sidelined with an injury—talk about a plot twist before the story even begins. That’s been JJ McCarthy’s reality. The guy was all set to take over as the Vikings’ QB1 after getting picked 10th overall in 2024, but boom—preseason injury, torn meniscus, whole rookie year gone. Just like that. And now?

After Sam Darnold left the town, McCarthy seems to be Minnesota’s next QB1. But amidst this will he, won’t he? McCarthy took some time and made a guest appearance on Kay Adams’ Up & Adams Show, where he talked about the Michigan basketball team as they’re gearing up for their Sweet 16 matchup against the Auburn Tigers.

When Adams asked, “How do you feel about Michigan and where they are on their Final Four journey?” McCarthy noted the Wolverines‘ focused and team-oriented mindset. “Yes, I love it because it’s a very exciting game every time you watch,” he said. “It’s never just like clear-cut victories. It always goes down to the wire. So to get that Big Ten championship was huge, and yeah, just got to keep going one game at a time now.”

Being the No. 5 seed, the Michigan Wolverines have been balling this season, finishing with a 27-9 overall record and a 14-6 mark in Big Ten Conference play, securing a second-place finish in the conference. Their track record? Safe to say it’s no joke for a No. 5 seeded team. The team’s dropping 78.3 points a game while keeping opponents in check with a solid +7.1 margin.

And let’s not forget the big men—Vladislav Goldin leading the charge with 16.8 points and some serious rim protection. While Danny Wolf has been snagging boards like it’s a clearance sale. And speaking of those clear-cut victories, JJ McCarthy mentioned? It reminds of the first round when they narrowly defeated San Diego 68-65, in the first round.

Oh, and Big Ten Tournament? It started with an 86-68 win over Purdue, snapping a three-game losing streak, and concluded with a nail-biting 59-53 win over Wisconsin to clinch the championship. But their final-four fate hangs in balance. The reason? The No. 1 seeded Auburn Tigers.

Can the Michigan Wolverines secure a spot in the Elite Eight?

JJ McCarthy is still a fan favorite in Ann Arbor. And why not? Before entering the pros, the guy completed 10 of 18 passes for 140 yards in a 34–13 win and led his football team to the first National Championship title since 1997 with a 15-0 record. And when it comes to supporting Michigan in a different sport, the second-year QB never backs down.

But let’s be real—the Michigan Wolverines are about to face off against the Auburn Tigers on Friday night. And let’s just say it’s not going to be a walk in the park. When we called the Tigers No. 1 seed, it’s definitely for a solid reason—a track record of 30-5. To top that off, the Tigers have a 79.6% chance of advancing to the Elite Eight. And we’re not done yet, folks.

The betting odds favor Auburn with 9.5 points over Michigan. But the silver line? The Wolverines have demonstrated resilience throughout the season and secured some clear-cut wins. Sure, the Auburn Tigers are favorites. But for Michigan to pull out an upset in this Sweet 16 showdown, Vladislav Goldin will need a big game. Until then, buckle up—Final Four dreams are on the line at 9:39 p.m. ET.