Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh recently took the opportunity to sing the praises of Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback J.J. McCarthy, making quite the impression.

Harbaugh, with his trademark enthusiasm, spoke glowingly of McCarthy during an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” touching on the upcoming clash between his Chargers and the Vikings next season. For Harbaugh, a man familiar with McCarthy’s talents from their time together at the University of Michigan, the young quarterback’s potential is something he believes in wholeheartedly.

There’s some chatter in the 2025 offseason around McCarthy’s role in Minnesota, but Harbaugh’s confidence in his former protégé stands firm. When he boldly stated last year that McCarthy is “the greatest quarterback in University of Michigan – college football history,” eyebrows were certainly raised.

It was a big statement, especially when you consider Michigan’s legendary alum, Tom Brady. Yet, even Brady gave Harbaugh’s assertion a nod, sparking quite the debate among fans and pundits alike.

McCarthy and Harbaugh share a storied past, with plenty of gratitude and success to reflect on. McCarthy played a pivotal role in leading the Wolverines to a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2024, while Harbaugh’s mentorship was instrumental in McCarthy’s journey to being a first-round pick for the Vikings in last year’s NFL Draft.

Now, instead of combining forces like they did at Michigan, McCarthy and Harbaugh are set to face off at SoFi Stadium. While the NFL hasn’t nailed down the date and time of this much-anticipated matchup, Michigan fans will no doubt be marking their calendars and gearing up for what promises to be a riveting encounter between mentor and student on the professional stage.