COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — One played high school football in Illinois and is the starting quarterback for Michigan.

The other played high school football in Philadelphia and starts for Ohio State.

Yet, J.J. McCarthy and Kyle McCord are good friends.

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"Kyle's my guy," McCarthy said Monday during Michigan's weekly media availability.

The two came out of high school the same year and were both recruited by many of the same, top football programs.

"That's one of the kids in my class who I got really close to," McCord said.

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McCarthy actually wanted to sign with Ohio State, but eventually chose Michigan. He enrolled early, in January 2021, just as McCord did at Ohio State.

"I grew up first being an Ohio State fan, I won't lie," McCarthy said. "But God had different plans for me and showed me the way. I'm very blessed and appreciative to be here."

McCarthy was one of the top passers in college football and was even a darkhorse Heisman Trophy candidate. But his performance -- at least statistically -- has slipped the last two games. He's completed 175 of his 237 passes (74 percent completion rate) for 2,335 yards, 18 touchdowns and four interceptions.

"J.J. was always great; he was very respectful," OSU coach Ryan Day said of his recruitment of McCarthy. "He was a very competitive player, and we've got a lot of respect for him as a player and as a person."

Meanwhile, McCord has stepped on the gas in recent weeks, elevating his season stat line to read like this: 211-of-318 (66 percent) passing for 2,899 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Two areas where McCarthy will have an advantage Saturday? 1) He already has one start under his belt in the rivalry, a convincing win in Columbus last year, and 2) He'll be playing in front of his home fans.

McCarthy also said during his media availability Monday that he planned on shooting his friend a text message to "see how he's doing, check in."