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Ex-Michigan QB JJ McCarthy Admits “Personal” Grudge He Still Holds Against Ryan Day & Ohio State in NFL Career

JJ McCarthy has a new team, a new opportunity to start in the NFL and, apparently, no plans to retire an old college football grudge. The New York Giants quarterback made that clear after his first start against Houston on…

By Kamran Ahmad · Essentially Sports

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 6:04 PM

Key Things to Know

JJ McCarthy confirmed he still holds a grudge against Ryan Day and Ohio State following his high school recruitment.
McCarthy intentionally skipped wearing eye black during his first start for the New York Giants against former Buckeye C.J. Stroud.
The quarterback stated Ryan Day lied to his face regarding recruitment timelines before Ohio State signed Kyle McCord.

The Story in 60 Seconds

New York Giants quarterback JJ McCarthy revealed he continues to hold a personal grudge against Ohio State and head coach Ryan Day. After making his first start for the Giants against Houston, McCarthy explained that he intentionally omitted his usual eye black, maintaining a college tradition he used exclusively against Buckeyes opponents. McCarthy stated the grudge originated during high school recruitment when Day allegedly misled him about Ohio State's quarterback plans before signing Kyle McCord.

Despite having a friendly relationship with former Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud, McCarthy noted that playing an Ohio State alumnus triggered the ritual. McCarthy completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards as the Giants defeated Houston 27-21 in overtime, and he confirmed he plans to return to wearing his traditional eye black against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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