Cleveland, OH
Why Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy’s NFL Draft decision matters so much to Ohio State and The Game
COLUMBUS, Ohio — One of the biggest thorns in the side of the Ohio State football program is finally walking out the door.
J.J. McCarthy once vowed to kill the Buckeyes after they chose Kyle McCord over him, and in doing so he helped with a one-sided rivalry in Michigan’s favor while taking the program to new heights. Now, three years later, he walks away to the NFL Draft with three Big Ten titles, a national title and a 27-1 record.
McCarthy played a vital role in why Ryan Day is 1-3 against the Wolverines, with Day’s only win happening in 2019 when McCarthy was just a junior in high school. As a freshman in 2021, he backed up Cade McNamara but came to throw one 31-yard pass while rushing for another 12 yards in a 42-27 home win. The next year he headed to Columbus as a starter, leaving with a 45-23 win after throwing for 263 yards and three touchdowns and adding another 27 yards and a rushing score. Then he completed the three-peat this past season with a 30-24 win while throwing for 148 yards and a score.
That last win cut the deepest for OSU. It could’ve used that game to change the narrative of what had happened the previous two seasons thanks to a sign-stealing scandal. It also faced a Michigan team that was without its head coach on the sideline. But McCarthy made that not matter. Instead, he got another win, snatched away the Buckeyes’ spot at the top of the Big Ten quarterback hierarchy, and helped the Wolverines close out the four-team College Football Playoff era with a trophy.
He represents the lowest moments the Ohio State football program has endured on the field in the last 25 years. But his departure might be yet another sign that maybe this dark time is coming to a close.
McCarthy is the latest key player on Michigan’s roster who is leaving either because of graduation or NFL Draft declaration. Where the Wolverines go next at quarterback will be a topic all offseason. Its options are Alex Orji — who was used in a wildcat package this past season — Jayden Denegal, Jack Grusser or incoming freshman Jadyn Davis, who was once viewed as a five-star prospect and also had high interest from OSU.
That offseason quarterback battle is where the Wolverines and Buckeyes are alike. But everywhere else, Ohio State seems to be trending upward while Michigan’s peak played out with a win over Washington in the national championship game. Ohio State is busy having all but a handful of its best players choose to “reload the clip” in 2024. Michigan’s best players are leaving one by one.
Plus, there’s still the most important variable in all of this. It’s still unclear whether Jim Harbaugh’s time in Ann Arbor is done, and plenty are leaning toward the answer to that question being yes.
Ohio State just watched its worst nightmare play out in front of it this season, with a third-straight loss to its rival who now sits at the top of college football. But maybe this season is the worst its ever going to get. Michigan heads into an offseason where it could have to completely reset.
McCarthy’s decision only gets us one step closer to that reality coming true, while the Buckeyes look geared up for a season of now or never.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A 14-year-old girl is in critical condition after being shot at a home Friday.
Police said around 7:15 p.m., officers from the Fifth District got a call for someone shot in the 1400 block of Lakeview Road.
When officers got on scene, a 14-year-old girl was found suffering from a gunshot wound.
Cleveland EMS took her to a nearby hospital, where she is listed in critical condition
A gun was recovered at the scene.
The incident remains under active investigation.
Police said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Former co-owner of the legendary Cleveland restaurant Sokolowski’s University Inn has died.
65-year-old Michael Sokolowski passed away on Tuesday, according to his obituary.
Established in Tremont in 1923, Sokolowski’s University Inn was Cleveland’s oldest family-owned and operated restaurant. It was a recipient of the prestigious James Beard “American Classics” Award in 2014. It closed it doors for good in 2020.
Read Obit below
MICHAEL PAUL SOKOLOWSKI, age 65; passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee McCue); loving father of George McDougall (Erika) and Sara; grandfather of Nicole and Emerson; Son of the late Bernard Sr. and Marion (nee Szwejkowski); dear brother of Bernard Jr. (Mary) and Mary Lou Balbier (Ronald); loving brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend of many. Mike was the co-owner of Sokolowski’s University Inn, a Cleveland landmark restaurant since 1923 and a James Beard Award winner. He played baseball and football for Cleveland Central Catholic and graduated from Otterbein University. Michael was a member of the Greater Cleveland Umpire Association, officiating many Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camps. He loved cooking and taught classes at the Polaris Career Center for their community culinary arts program. Mike loved music, attending many concerts, and playing drums in bands and for his parish church masses. Former President of the Cleveland Society of Poles and a member of the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cleveland Central Catholic High School, 6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.
Mass of Christian burial at St. John Cantius Catholic Church, 906 College Ave, Cleveland, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at the church, Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Cleveland, OH
If You Could Put Any Cleveland Baseball Player from the Past on the 2026 Team, Who Would it Be?
We are beginning to see the 2026 roster shape up – now it’s time to get your time machines out.
What Cleveland baseball player from the past would make the biggest impact on the 2026 Cleveland Guardians?
Is it 2017 Francisco Lindor anchoring the team from the shortstop position? Or 1948 Lou Boudreau?
Is it 2002 Jim Thome or 2006 Travis Hafner providing thump in the middle of the lineup? Maybe 1953 Al Rosen gets to DH and spell Jose at third?
Is it 2014 Michael Brantely in right field? 1994 Kenny Lofton in center? 2006 Grady Sizemore in center? 1920 Tris Speaker in center?
1995 Albert Belle providing a shock to the system in left?
Or do you want an ace – maybe 2017 Corey Kluber, 1946 Bob Feller, 2008 CC Sabathia, 1969 Sam McDowell, 1972 Gaylord Perry, 2008 Cliff Lee or 1968 Luis Tiant?
Let us know your choice in the comments below!
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