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Big Ten quarterback power rankings: Drew Allar and every other B1G QB

By Josh Yourish

Oct 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) waits for a play call against Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium.
Oct 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) waits for a play call against Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium. /
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Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, right, celebrates with quarterback J.J. McCarthy after McCarthy’s touchdown pass against Michigan State during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, right, celebrates with quarterback J.J. McCarthy after McCarthy’s touchdown pass against Michigan State during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. /

Big Ten QB rankings No. 1: J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

  • 1,792 passing yards
  • 18 TDs 3 interceptions
  • 78.0% completion
  • 10.7 yards per attempt

McCarthy has been picture-perfect this entire season. His development at Michigan is such a testament to the coaching staff at Michigan trusting him through his growing pains, believing in him, and empowering him to do what he does well.

McCarthy still makes plays with his legs and has run for 168 yards and three touchdowns this year, but it’s far from a crutch for a player who used to be reluctant to sit behind his elite offensive line and slice up a defense. Now, McCarthy makes great decisions, he only has five turnover-worthy plays graded by Pro Football Focus, compared to a Big Ten best 16 big-time throws.

Michigan doesn’t have the best-receiving corps in the country, but they have great tight ends to support McCarthy, a great running game, and by far the best QB in the Big Ten. McCarthy is completing 78.3% of his passes with an average depth of target of 10.5. He is averaging a first down every dropback with 10.7 yards per attempt and it’s not just playmakers getting it done after the catch. He aggressively pushes the ball downfield and still doesn’t put it in harm’s way.

The only concern is all five of his turnover-worthy plays and all three interceptions have come when under pressure, but he’s only been pressured on 26.2% of his dropbacks and when blitzed he’s averaging 12.8 yards per attempt.

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