Former Michigan football quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a lightning rod for debate. Rival fans and even NFL analysts have questioned his ability, despite his incredible record with the Wolverines, or the fact that he was a top-10 pick.
That didn't happen by accident. McCarthy threw 44 touchdowns in two seasons as the starter for the Michigan Wolverines. In 2023, he led the Big Ten in completion percentage, passer rating, and passing yards per attempt.
McCarthy has an elite arm. Not only is he incredibly accurate, he threw 61 MPH at the NFL combine and only two quarterbacks -- Joe Milton and Josh Allen -- have thrown harder (62 MPH).
Colin Cowherd and rival fans might not believe in McCarthy. But the Minnesota Vikings certainly do. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Vikings believe they can win a Super Bowl in the next three years with McCarthy as the quarterback.
That's why they passed on Aaron Rodgers and re-signing Sam Darnold. They want McCarthy to develop, which would give them a starting quarterback on a rookie pay scale. That's a rare opportunity and one Minnesota wants to take advantage of.
.@JFowlerESPN with some @Vikings intel on J.J. McCarthy so far through OTAs and Minicamp:
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 14, 2025
“Vikings feel like J.J. McCarthy in Day 9 of these offseason workouts is a lot stronger than Day 1.”
pic.twitter.com/FiJ1sjrxXk
"They didn't sign Rodgers and went with McCarthy because they believe in their three-year plan. They believe they can win a Super Bowl in the next three years," Fowler said.
Michigan Wolverines sign another 7-footer
Dusty May must never sleep. After landing Yaxel Lendeborg recently, May added another player to the 2025 roster this week in 7-foot-1 center Malick Kordel from Germany.
According to On3.com, "Kordel played for the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), Germany’s top professional basketball league. He averaged 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 24.5 minutes per game this season."
Kordel was productive in the top german league. He's 20 years old and could be a contributor next season, but even if he's more of a developmental piece long term, there is a ton of upside.
May loves the Vlad Goldin types and Kordel is similar from that same mold of center.
Michigan Wolverines have a national champ in track and field
Michigan's Savannah Sutherland won another national championship for the Wolverines in the women's 400-meter hurdles. She posted a time of 52.46 seconds. That won the race by more than two seconds, as she successfully defended her 400-meter title.