The Minnesota Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan. But McCarthy suffered an injury that kept him out all year. But now, he's slated to be the starter, and he's got a revamped offensive line to boot.
Minnesota brought in Donovan Jackson in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, an offensive lineman out of Ohio State. During training camp, Jackson laid out multiple huge blocks on a screen pass.
Afterwards, McCarthy raved about the play, while also taking a jab at Ohio State in the process, which Will Ragatz of Bring Me The Sports on Sports Illustrated shared on Twitter/X.
J.J. McCarthy's jab at Ohio State today https://t.co/zvo1vQvYNV pic.twitter.com/lQNbaBnBG0
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 15, 2025
"Absolutely love it. " McCarthy said. "You know, we Michigan guys, we get a little skeptical of the kind of mentality and the tough-guy-ness of Ohio State, but he absolutely proved it. It was a sight to see. I just love how fired up he got after that, too. He's going to be a great player."
The Michigan and Ohio State rivalry is fierce, and this comment from McCarthy is another layer to the rivalry. While praising his Ohio State teammate, he took a jab at his rival from his college days.
All time, Michigan has a 62-52 record against Ohio State, with six ties mixed in as well. In their last four matchups, the Wolverines have won every time. Since 2020, Ohio State hasn't beaten Michigan.
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In 2023, with McCarthy at the helm, the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 30-24. Most recently, while McCarthy wasn't there, Michigan beat Ohio State 13-10 in a low-scoring thriller.
McCarthy, in his career against Ohio State, has gone 29/45 for 442 yards and four touchdowns, with 12 rushes for 60 yards. He is also undefeated, going 3-0 against Michigan's hated rivals.
This jab from McCarthy takes a shot at the Buckeyes' perception of toughness, calling it into question. But, while he says that Jackson, now his teammate in the NFL, has proved his "tough-guy-ness," the rest of Ohio State's players aren't exactly in the clear.
Ahead of the 2025 College Football season, McCarthy's jab is one of many that will fly in the buildup to their November 29th matchup later this season.
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