J.J. McCarthy’s Ohio State grudge carried over to his debut as the Giants’ starter.
McCarthy didn’t put on his typical eye black during their extra time win over the Texans on Sunday because the former Michigan signal-caller was going through former Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud — and, relationship back to school, he reportedly needs them to look at his face after he beats them.
He was provided by Ohio State in highschool but felt that he was “lied” to all through the course of, he advised The Athletic in 2019.
J.J. McCarthy of the Giants — with out his signature eye black — celebrates after defeating the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Getty Images
“It is a little corny,” McCarthy said, “don’t get me wrong. It is for sure. But I guess I’m a corny guy. I took it personal in high school, growing up an Ohio State fan, like a diehard Ohio State fan — had the comforter, had the fatheads, everything.”
McCarthy said his custom will proceed for the relaxation of his profession, though it’s “strictly” reserved for Stroud, perhaps Dolphins backup Kyle McCord and then Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day if he ever “comes up to the NFL.”
McCarthy won all three of his video games against the Buckeyes when at Michigan, while also securing a nationwide championship with the Wolverines before getting chosen at No. 10 general in 2024 by Vikings.
He emerged with a victory against Stroud in Houston on Sunday.
McCarthy took over for a benched Jameis Winston in Week 6, went 20-for-28 for 252 yards, including to his fourth quarter from the Saints recreation the week prior when he threw for 243 yards in a frantic comeback that fell just brief.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) greets New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) after a recreation at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“We play in the entertainment business and I can see how that gets a lot of traction, but at the end of the day, it’s just something I hold near and dear to my heart,” McCarthy, who the Giants acquired from Minnesota after Jaxson Dart’s harm, said of his eye black removing for video games with Ohio State connections.
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