As Michigan tries to determine its quarterback of the present, its quarterback of the future has a message for the fanbase: "Take a deep breath and relax."
2021 five-star QB J.J. McCarthy took to Twitter to try to restore some faith in the direction of the program after the Wolverines' embarrassing loss to Wisconsin and their worst start since 1967.
"I want all Michigan fans to do this," McCarthy said Sunday morning. "Take 3 deep breaths... And have faith. Faith that every single coach, player, employee in that building is doing everything they possibly can to be great."
McCarthy might be the last hope for Jim Harbaugh. He's the highest-ranked quarterback recruit of Harbaugh's tenure, ranked No. 2 at his position and No. 18 overall in his class, according to 247 Sports.
An Illinois native who transferred this year to IMG Academy in Florida, McCarthy also had offers from the likes of Ohio State, Penn State and LSU. He remains committed to Michigan, despite the team's 1-3 record and Harbaugh's murky future.
"This great university demands excellence," McCarthy said. "This great fan base demands excellence. Everything that surrounds this university, is simply just pure drive for excellence. Know that every single person associated with the football program is striving for excellence."
He added, "There is always light at the end of the tunnel. They will not reach that light if it is being clouded by darkness. Support is the only thing that they need right now. EVERY single one of you has the power to contribute to the GOAL. We are all in this together."
While Harbaugh and Michigan wait for McCarthy to arrive, they're reopening the QB competition between Joe Milton and Cade McNamara. Milton has struggled since the season-opener, and McNamara looked sharp when he took over for Milton against Wisconsin.
A matchup this Saturday against Rutgers offers the Wolverines a chance to get back on track. Either way, McCarthy can't arrive soon enough.
In the meantime, he wants everyone to relax.