A white towel hanging around his grass-stained jersey, Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy glanced at his teammates, saw their emotionless expressions and leaned into the microphone.
The Wolverines had just lost 51-45 to TCU in the College Football Playoff, and the QB had just been asked, in essence, to praise the Horned Frogs. First question of the presser.
“They won the game in the 60 minutes that was played,” McCarthy said in a slight Chicago accent. “And, you know, they’re a good football team. No matter what it is, they got the win. Fought our hearts out, there’s a lot of things we could have done better — can’t wait to watch the tape — but we’ll be back. And I promise that.”
Then he got up from his chair, walked off the podium and left through a metal door. The Big Ten’s best returning quarterback — and likely the best signal caller Nebraska faces in 2023 — may have intended the answer as a bit of a Tim Tebow moment, but he hasn’t yet earned the reputation to pull off a walk-away quote.
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Tebow had won a Heisman Trophy by the time he delivered “The Promise” on Sept. 27, 2008, after a loss to Mississippi. McCarthy, somewhat shockingly, isn’t in the top five of any major sportsbook’s Heisman betting odds. USC’s Caleb Williams — the 2022 winner — is naturally the favorite. But quarterbacks at LSU (Jayden Daniels), Florida State (Jordan Travis) and Clemson (Cade Klubnik) have better odds, too.
None of their teams made the CFP, and none have better odds to do so in 2023. But McCarthy is not the story of his team. The defense is. The running backs are. Not the QB. Like many Michigan quarterbacks before McCarthy. Tom Brady — not the story. Brian Griese — not the story. Elvis Grbac, Todd Collins, Chad Henne — not the story. Denard Robinson was the story for a few years, of course, and should have been. But he didn’t play for many good Michigan teams, either.
UM’s quarterbacks have panned out better in the NFL than Ohio State’s QBs have — on Brady alone, the Wolverines win the debate, but it doesn’t stop with him — but the Buckeye passers get more glory in college. Better stats. Better story. And until the last two years, slightly better teams.
In the last 40 years, just one Michigan quarterback has finished in the Heisman’s top three. That’d be McCarthy’s coach — Jim Harbaugh.
Now in his ninth year as Wolverines’ coach, Harbaugh did a bold thing last year, creating competition between his 2021 starter — Cade McNamara, who led Michigan to the CFP that year — and McCarthy, the five-star signee with more athleticism. He gave McNamara the start in UM’s first game, then McCarthy in the second, and picked McCarthy headed into the Wolverines’ third contest.
“By merit, he’s earned that,” Harbaugh said in a news conference. “By performance, you know?”
Michigan’a JJ McCarthy throws during a College Football Playoff semifinal game against TCU on Dec. 31, 2022, in Glendale, Arizona. McCarthy headlines the quarterback group Nebraska will face this season.
McCarthy played solid football most of the season in often poor weather conditions. He threw for 2,719 yards and 22 touchdowns. He ran for 306 more. But he was nowhere close in the Heisman voting. Running back Blake Corum finished seventh. In 2022, UM defensive end Aidan Hutchinson finished second. Defense and running backs. That’s the Michigan way.
But quarterbacks often win and lose big games. A throw here, a decision there — little stuff that counts.
Against Ohio State, McCarthy completed just 50% of his passes but avoided the big mistake while tossing three touchdowns.
Against TCU, he threw two pick sixes. He took three sacks. And he stood on the field, by himself, watching TCU celebrate the victory 50 yards away.
“It was obviously a team effort, but I was in the driver’s seat,” McCarthy told ESPN last week. “It’s a whole different pain that I’ve felt, and one that’s still driving me today.”
A look at the opposing quarterbacks set to face NU includes a fourth-year starter, a slew of transfers and four remaining unknowns as teams go into camp.
The record holder
Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland: He’s already the Terps’ career leader in passing yards (7,879) and passing touchdowns (51), so the only thing left for him to do is get Maryland to another tier in the sport. Beating Penn State, Michigan and Ohio State accomplishes the task. Some of his best receivers moved on to the NFL, so the task, in 2023, might be a little tougher.
Texas transfer Hudson Card (right), shown here during an Oct. 1, 2022, game against West Virginia in Austin, Texas, was handpicked by Purdue’s new offensive coordinator to lead the unit.
The transfers
Hudson Card, Purdue: In three seasons at Texas, Card completed 65.5% of his passes and threw just two career interceptions. Injuries have dogged him a bit, and Purdue’s receiver room needs to be rebuilt, but new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell handpicked Card for the starting job.
Hank Bachmeier, Louisiana Tech: He threw for more than 6,000 career yards at Boise State, lost the job in 2022, and wanted to land at an Air Raid school where he could get a starting job. Mission accomplished. LaTech coach Sonny Cumbie will have Bachmeier slinging the ball 50 times per game — and might win some games that way.
Tanner Mordecai, Wisconsin: Two terrific years at SMU — 72 total touchdown passes — opened the door for Mordecai to spend his sixth and final season in the Big Ten. Wisconsin effectively let Graham Mertz walk to Florida and brought in a slew of transfers. Mordecai is the best of those, but the jury is out on whether the Badgers’ shift to a spread offense is wise.
Cade McNamara, Iowa: If one had to make an argument for Iowa winning the Big Ten West, it starts with landing a savvy, turnover-avoidant quarterback whose brains can navigate the Hawkeyes’ complex, pro-style attack.
Shadeur Sanders, Colorado: At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, he turned down Power Five offers to play quarterback for his dad, Deion, at Jackson State. Seventy touchdowns and nearly 7,000 passing yards later, Shadeur followed dad to CU to quarterback a team full of newcomers — like 70 of them. The Buffaloes get TCU, NU, Colorado State, Oregon and USC in the first month. All the competition father and son could want.
The riser
Athan Kaliakmanis, Minnesota: Delivered a comeback win at Nebraska, then, in an act that won Gopher hearts everywhere, stuffed Wisconsin in a locker with a 23-16 rivalry win, throwing for 319 yards and two scores against a stingy Badger D. At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, he’s an athlete still working on his accuracy.
The ongoing QB battles
Illinois: Mississippi transfer Luke Altmyer has the edge here, having taken all of the first-team reps in the first half of the Illini spring game. But coach Bret Bielema declined to name Altmyer the starter, and his 54 career passes for the Rebels isn’t much of a resume. Donovan Leary and Ball State transfer John Paddock are in the mix.
Michigan State: When two-year starter Peyton Thorne left for Auburn, the Spartans were left with little helpful experience for 2023. Noah Kim and Katin Houser will battle it out in fall camp, with Kim holding what seems to be a slight advantage based on spring camp reps. One of MSU’s quarterbacks, Christian Banks, wears No. 38.
Northern Illinois: The Huskies had four quarterbacks attempt at least 25 passes last season. Ethan Hampton, Nevan Creamscoli and Rocky Lombardi — who played at NU long ago, in 2018, for Michigan State — are the three to watch here.
Northwestern: The Wildcats seem to have about 900 quarterbacks, including Cincinnati transfer Ben Bryant, who joined the team after spring camp ended. Coach Pat Fitzgerald used five QBs during a 1-11 season last year.
Meet Nebraska football’s 2024 recruiting class
CARTER NELSON
— Carter Nelson (@Carter83854638) June 28, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟
High school: Ainsworth.
The specs: Tight end, 6-4, 205 pounds.
Takeaway: Nelson’s talent is undeniable. His ability to catch, run for and even throw touchdowns all while playing defense is an incredible representation of Nelson’s all-around athleticism. As a talented track and field athlete with strong measurables, Nelson’s explosiveness has been trained by several years of high jumping. He’s also quick and elusive in the open field, and has the steady hands that are expected out of a tight end.
MARIO BUFORD
Go Big Red🌽🌽 pic.twitter.com/U30muqh2xC
— Mario Buford (@riogocrazy) June 9, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: DeSoto, Texas.
The specs: Cornerback, 5-11, 165 pounds.
Takeaway: The majority of Buford’s Hudl highlight film shows him as an off-the-ball corner, playing ten yards back and accelerating toward a receiver when the ball is thrown. Buford makes the transition from backpedal to pursuit quite well, and, as his 12 pass breakups suggest, has a nice habit of dislodging the ball when he arrives. He’s got the aggression to play press corner, too, but his skillset reminds of the Bootle brothers, Dicaprio and Dwight.
ROGER GRADNEY
@MJDesignr GBR‼️‼️24/7🔥 pic.twitter.com/7tYYvStFn5
— roger gradney (@rogergradney15) February 21, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Garwood, Texas.
The specs: Athlete, 6-1, 190 pounds.
Takeaway: Gradney was NU’s first commit in the 2024 class and describes himself as a “utility” player who loves special teams and plays both receiver and defensive back. He’s expected to start his Husker career at corner or safety.
DAE’VONN HALL
Bleeding red for life🎈 @HuskerFBNation pic.twitter.com/rFOlA7KWeb
— Dae’vonn Hall (@DaevonnHall) June 23, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟
High school: Bellevue West.
The specs: Wide receiver, 6-1, 180 pounds.
Takeaway: Hall is smooth route runner who can blow by opposing corners and draw attention from safeties. He’s not quite former Bellevue West receiver Zavier Betts — who may be the most talented prep receiver to come out of Nebraska in decades — but he compares favorably to every receiver NU signed in the 2023 class. He’s as skilled as any of them, and perhaps the most polished.
JACORY BARNEY
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Miami.
The specs: Athlete, 6-0, 160 pounds.
Takeaway: While Barney isn’t the top-rated prospect in the class – that’s Ainsworth tight end Carter Nelson – offers to Miami and Texas A&M usually win out over what a Midwestern Big Ten school provides. This is not a guarantee of Barney’s success – NU’s Miami-area haul in 2020 didn’t pan out – but it underlines Rhule’s ability to get Nebraska in a recruiting battle and beat teams that have geographical advantages to landing the prospect. Much like Willis McGahee IV, Barney’s commit is a head-turner to other talent in the Miami area and additional proof that receivers coach Garret McGuire can land blue-chip players. In terms of his wideout abilities, he’s good in traffic, and that translates to what he does after the catch, too. Barney is a slippery receiver out of the slot, and fits nicely into Nebraska’s plans.
DANIEL KAELIN
🌟🌟🌟
High school: Bellevue West.
The specs: Quarterback, 6-2, 200 pounds.
Takeaway: Kaelin has been working on his quarterback skills for a long time – and it shows. He threw 36 touchdowns for a reason. Kaelin has terrific footwork for a prep quarterback, firing as he hits his back foot. He’s good in a dropback, or a half-rollout, or in stepping into pressure and up in the pocket. He drives balls up the seam and consistently hits on deep corner routes. He can step to his left and create room to throw deep back to the right. Kaelin in general knows how to put space between himself and a pass rusher in a way that reduces the violence of the hit. He will arrive as Nebraska’s most complete high school passer in some time.
WILLIS MCGAHEE IV
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
The specs: Linebacker, 6-1, 225 pounds.
Takeaway: A pass rusher moving back one level of the defense: McGahee, the son of the former Hurricanes and NFL running back, spent a good chunk of his time at Miami Palmetto High School as a smaller edge rusher taking on larger tackles in Florida Class 6A. At Columbus High School, he’ll move to linebacker, where the job will involve shedding blocks and find ballcarriers. McGahee plays with an impressive aggression and should help NU in its 3-3-5 defense. Like current Husker Cam Lenhardt, it remains to be seen if he fits more at the first level of the defense or the second one.
ISAIAH MCMORRIS
Stayin Home! #GBR pic.twitter.com/Hi3n1y99Tq
— Isaiah McMorris (@IsaiahMcMorris3) June 23, 2023
🌟🌟🌟
High school: Bellevue West.
The specs: Wide receiver, 6-0, 170 pounds.
Takeaway: McMorris’ path to NU was a slow burn, spending his first two years of high school at Millard North. After leaving a run-heavy offense where his skillset was under-utilized, McMorris fit Bellevue West’s spread style like a glove. The proof of that was his incredible 97-catch, 1,300-yard season that resulted in Power Five offers from around the country. McMorris is a slot wide receiver who excels at out-maneuvering defenders on screens and other quick passes. He shifts his body weight extremely well on the fly, resulting in a speed that’s difficult to match.
KEWAN LACY
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Lancaster, Texas.
The specs: Running back, 6-0, 205 pounds.
Takeaway: You might have heard this one before — Nebraska got a commit that also runs track and field, with top marks in sprinting events. Track and field times have repeatedly led Matt Rhule and his NU coaching staff to future commits, and Lacy is no exception. A sub-10.8-second 100-meter dash time represented Lacy’s top speed during his spring track season, and it’s not all the three-star recruit brings to the table. He’s also a tough runner between the tackles and has strong legs that are difficult to bring down. Just don’t let Lacy hit the open field, though — because there’s no catching up to him once he’s gone.
IAN FLYNT
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Katy, Texas.
The specs: Tight end, 6-4, 245 pounds.
Takeaway: Nebraska OC Marcus Satterfield loves tight ends for their versatility and the matchup problems they pose for defenses. He sees roles for bigger, thicker guys who can play in-line tight end, shorter guys who can serve as fullback and taller, leaner guys who can work in the slot. Consider Flynt in that first category. He caught 10 passes last season and flashed the ability to block almost like a tackle would, mauling smaller linebackers. Flynt, like current NU tight end Chase Androff and former tight end Travis Vokolek, is a better athlete than stats would suggest. There’s a reason he had offers from teams as diverse as Washington State, Purdue and Kansas.
CARLON JONES
I will be taking my talents to Nebraska!! Go Big Red! @Coach_Knighton @Omeezi_ @CoachMattRhule lets change the narrative #GBR turn me up!! pic.twitter.com/Duifntqkst
— carlonjones6⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@carlonjones11) June 29, 2023
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Bay City, Texas.
The specs: Defensive lineman, 6-3, 270 pounds.
Takeaway: Jones appears to be an ideal prospect for Nebraska’s defensive system. The 6-foot-3 player has the size and strength to play on the interior of the line — and he also has the agility to slide over to the outside without missing a beat. Jones may not be a dominant pass rusher, but he possesses many skills that coaches look for in interior defensive linemen. He closes space in interior gaps well, fights through blocks and reads plays well, all traits that will help in stuffing runs and keeping gap integrity.
GIBSON PYLE
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Houston, Texas.
The specs: Offensive lineman, 6-4½, 285 pounds.
Takeaway: At Klein Cain, he plays tackle, but he likely projects to an interior line spot. His excellent junior tape shows a lineman with good upper body strength to turn and bury defenders, decent mobility on pulling plays and a nastiness that plays up to — and just past — the whistle. On film, he doesn’t appear to carry much bad weight, either. He may stay a sturdy three-star prospect, but Nebraska offensive line coach Donovan Raiola likely loves what he got.
EVAN TAYLOR
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Waxhaw, N.C.
The specs: Athlete, 6-3, 180 pounds.
Takeaway: Also a talented wide receiver for his high school team, the door may be open for a future position change if needed. Nebraska coaches moved several players to new positions during spring camp, while other recruits such as Mason Goldman and Jason Maciejczak arrived on campus with a dual offensive/defensive line distinction. That won’t be the case for Taylor, who is expected to fit into the secondary. But with speed and experience at wideout, who knows what the future will hold for him.
KEELAN SMITH
1000% committed!
— Keelan Smith (@KeelanSmith2024) May 5, 2023
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Liberty, Mo.
The specs: Tight end, 6-3, 205 pounds.
Takeaway: This is no common Smith family. Keelan Smith’s father, Neil Smith, is a former Husker who put together a 13-year NFL career that included over 100 sacks. That familial relationship may have gotten Keelan Smith on Nebraska’s radar — but his athleticism is what secured Smith’s spot in Nebraska’s 2024 class. Smith’s high school offense at Liberty North showcased his talents in a way few high schools can. The mostly spread-style offense led to the big, dynamic pass-catching target getting his fair share of opportunities. Playing as more of a wide receiver than a tight end, Smith hauled in 50 catches for 850 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior — routinely torching opposing coverage.
ASHTON MURPHY
Had another amazing visit at UNL today. I really like how the Coaches & Staff make me feel at home. Rightfully so because it is home! Comitted!!🌽☠️
#GBR #24Ours #Huskers@CoachMattRhule @Coach_Knighton @Omeezi_ @HuskerFBNation @ElkhornSouthFB @HuskerCoachTW @ESStormFootball pic.twitter.com/IRQrLHyAvo
— Ashton Murphy (@AshtonMurphy24) April 12, 2023
🌟🌟🌟
High school: Elkhorn South.
The specs: Offensive tackle/defensive lineman, 6-5, 240 pounds.
Takeaway: If Nebraska cleaned up with in-state offensive linemen last year, Murphy, recruited by NU defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, will play on the other side of the ball. It’s more evidence that Nebraska’s new coaching staff believes, strongly, that it can recruit local guys to play on the line of scrimmage. History tells us that’s true on offense and relatively true on defense. Evidence includes the recent career of Garrett Nelson and Colton Feist, or even a guy like Ross Dzuris, who was NU’s best pass rusher in 2016.
BRAYLEN PRUDE
Prude
Committed.#GBR
— Braylen Prude + (@BraylenPrude7) June 18, 2023
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Pearland, Texas.
The specs: Linebacker, 6-4, 190 pounds.
Takeaway: NU coach Matt Rhule believes in development and in recruiting Texas, and Prude’s commit combines the two ideas. Prude has a great frame for safety, linebacker or rover, and he’s clearly an under-the-radar prospect who showed up as a Houston Christian University satellite camp, impressed Husker defensive backs coach Evan Cooper, got an offer, took a visit, and is now in the class. He has only a handful of stats and highlights from his previous school, Missouri City (Texas) Fort Bend Hightower, so Nebraska’s comfortable making a projection.
LANDEN DAVIDSON
Nebraska I’m HOME‼️🔴⚫️ #GBR pic.twitter.com/ogahUgIbF0
— Landen Davidson (@DavidsonLanden) June 20, 2023
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Broomfield, Colo.
The specs: Offensive lineman, 6-4, 310 pounds.
Takeaway: Nebraska offensive line coach Donovan Raiola likes to train his linemen for multiple positions, and Davidson is a player who will be well-suited for that training regimen. At 6-foot-4 and just over 300 pounds, Davidson appears set for a future at guard. His physical, large frame will be a strong fit for Nebraska’s rushing attack, and playing along the interior will help him increase mobility in pass protection. Depending on how quickly he develops, Davidson could perhaps move to tackle in the future. For now, though, he appears set to be a powerful member of NU’s interior offensive line in years to come.
DONOVAN JONES
🌟🌟🌟
High school: Omaha North.
The specs: Athlete, 6-1, 185 pounds.
Takeaway: To those who doubt the effectiveness of June football camps, look no further than Jones. Heading into the summer, the uncommitted senior was still searching for his first Division I offer. Jones participated in the Lindenwood (Mo.) University mega camp in the first week of June, where he earned FCS offers from Lindenwood and South Dakota State. Things were even sweeter when both Wyoming and Nebraska extended offers after NU’s Friday Night Lights camp. Players who flash athleticism, speed and potential tend to stand out at these summer camps — and Jones’ success is the proof.
Jones fits the mold of what Nebraska is looking for in a defensive back recruit. The senior is dynamic and versatile enough to play any spot in the secondary, something he’s already done for Omaha North. Working mostly as a safety, Jones came down with two interceptions and defended seven passes during his junior year. Physically, he seems like a fit at free safety, though cornerback could also be Jones’ future position.
JAKE PETERS
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Cedar Falls, Iowa.
The specs: Offensive lineman, 6-3, 265 pounds.
Takeaway: Peters looks fantastic on his Hudl highlight film for Cedar Falls, which advanced to the second round of the Iowa 5A state football playoffs. He shows a dominant drive-blocking style, climbs with ease to the second and third levels of a defense and moves more — much more — like a 270-pound tight end. Height and girth may be important in college football, but Peters’ athleticism — he’s also a standout basketball player — is a major plus. Nebraska shouldn’t have too much problem putting 20 pounds on his frame. If he maintains the quickness, NU got a steal.
QUINN CLARK
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Bozeman, Mont.
The specs: Wide receiver, 6-5, 190 pounds.
Takeaway: A few crisp, well-run routes at a Matt Rhule football camp was all it took for Clark to earn a Nebraska offer. Clark’s performance in front of NU coaches at a June 11 camp showed the potential he has to offer as a lanky outside wide receiver.
REX GUTHRIE
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Littleton, Colo.
The specs: Safety, 6-1, 200 pounds.
Takeaway: Nebraska has prioritized adding versatile athletes who are capable of playing multiple spots, especially in the secondary. Guthrie has the skills and physical makeup of a safety, though his ideal position would likely be as a nickel or rover. Plus, speed doesn’t hurt when Nebraska is evaluating recruits — and Guthrie ran a 100-meter dash in 11.01 seconds this spring. Those traits add up to another athletic defensive back whose in-person skills landed him on NU’s radar.
CALLEN BARTA
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Topeka, Kan.
The specs: Safety, 6-2, 180 pounds.
Takeaway: Years ago, under Mike Riley, Nebraska tried disruptive the California-powers-that-be by hotly pursuing highly-rated prospects on the West Coast. Matt Rhule has usurped the slow-play plans of Big Ten and Big 12 schools by offering players like Barta, Jake Peters, Braylen Prude, and Roger Gradney on evaluation and developmental potential. Is Barta — with seven interceptions over two seasons — good enough to play at Kansas? Surely. But KU has a board and will work through it regardless of Barta’s MVP turn at an Under Armour camp. Nebraska is willing to adjust any timeline without concern for how an offer “looks.” It’s going to mess with recruiting service evaluations for sure. What does Rhule know that a service doesn’t? Plenty. He and his staff are paid millions to know, too.
KAMDYN KOCH
Koch
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Westminster, Md.
The specs: Punter, 6-3, 195 pounds.
Takeaway: The Nebraska football team has found its punter of the future — and he’s well-aware of what it means to be a Husker. Koch, the son of former Husker Sam Koch, had sent film and game tape over to Nebraska special teams coordinator Ed Foley in previous months, leading to an invite to one of Matt Rhule’s football camps. Naturally, Koch learned a thing or two from working out and training with his dad. He also credits Kirk Maggio, his trainer, for helping him develop consistency within his kicks. Nebraska coaches saw that strong technique and execution and were impressed enough to extend a scholarship — a coveted prize for a specialist.
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