Tom Brady vs. J.J. McCarthy – Who Holds the Best QB Crown in Michigan?

The GOAT of football: a title that almost every NFL player strives to achieve, but only one luminary holds- Tom Brady. Nothing can taint the grandeur of TB12’s 7 shiny rings. The beginning was quite humbling for Brady in his college football career.

Brady got his first break as a starting QB for Michigan in his senior year, after which he made quite some progress. Despite all this, it is JJ McCarthy who snatched the title of GOAT of CFB. Here’s why.

Tom Brady vs. JJ McCarthy: CFB comparison

Back in his day, the California native did not have much to offer to his team except his dedication. As a result, Brady had to prove his worth against 6 other QBs lined ahead of him. It was only in 1998 that he snatched the starting QB position from QB Brian Griese, arguably his most profitable year at Michigan. Brady made 214 pass attempts that season, etching a record, with a Big Ten championship and a Citrus Bowl win with him. In 1999, he brought home the Orange Bowl. But that was about it in Brady’s college career.

McCarthy overtaking Brady’s record of passing yards at their alma mater this season, something that Brady ranked fourth in franchise history when he graduated would be the perfect start. Not to mention, McCarthy snatched the starting QB position only in 2022 from Cade McNamara. The QB led the Wolverines to 13 wins and only one loss in 2022, with 2719 passing yards and 22 touchdowns that season, along with the Big Ten championship and a dramatic entry at the semifinal Fiesta Bowl last season.

In 2023, McCarthy has been at his best, with an unblemished record for Michigan, the Big Ten championship, and over-the-top hopes for the National Championship and Rose Bowl. With a better-than-ever 9.2 average this season, McCarthy leads as one of the top prospects for the 2024 NFL draft. Additionally, McCarthy also proved himself by fighting all odds emerging from the sign-stealing farce, and continuing to lead his team through tough times. All this with the awards he received in his two years.

JJ McCarthy accolades

McCarthy’s years with Michigan were nothing less than phenomenal. The QB emerged as one of the most promising QBs across all conferences, given his accolades:

• 3× Big Ten champion (2021, 2022, 2023)
• Griese–Brees Quarterback of the Year (2023)
• First-team All-Big Ten (2023)
• Second-team All-Big Ten (2o22)

READ ALSO: Jim Harbaugh Set to Join Elite List at Rose Bowl 2024 After Becoming 1st Coach to Win 3 Straight Championship Games

Tom Brady might be crowned as one of the best players the NFL has ever seen, but McCarthy is credited with being one of the most prodigious QBs college football has ever witnessed.

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