Jim Harbaugh's 2024 pre-draft praise of J.J. McCarthy resurfaces

Brother John starts the Michigan product at Houston.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 49m1 min read

Seems like a good week to bring this back. The Harbaugh family faith in McCarthy remains high. Via @JFowlerESPN on X

What happened: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler revisited Jim Harbaugh's 2024 AFC coaches breakfast comments declaring J.J. McCarthy the top quarterback in that draft class. Speaking after coaching McCarthy at Michigan, the elder Harbaugh said a "killer comes out" in the quarterback when adversity hits.

Why it matters: That endorsement now plays out under his brother after John Harbaugh named McCarthy the Giants starter over Jameis Winston. Jim Harbaugh previously counseled John before New York acquired the 2024 No. 10 overall draft pick.

By the numbers: McCarthy threw for 243 fourth-quarter yards and a touchdown in relief against New Orleans in Week 6 of the 2026 season. Across 10 games with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, he completed 140 of 243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, per ESPN (as of Sept. 29, 2026).

What to watch: McCarthy makes his first start for the Giants on Sunday, Oct. 25, on the road against the Houston Texans.

Sources

@JFowlerESPN 2026-10-22T13:45:11.186856+00:00

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