University of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy is busy on and off the field. The college athlete has been dating his girlfriend, Katya Kuropas, for more than four years.
McCarthy and Kuropas fell for each other while they were in high school in Illinois. The football player made a name for himself at Nazareth Academy, committing to Michigan in May 2019 after being rated one of the top quarterback recruits ahead of his junior and senior years of high school.
Months before he opted to play for the Wolverines, he went Instagram official with Kuropas.
“I AM THE LUCKY ONE TO BE DATING THIS GIRL,” he gushed in January 2019 via Instagram. “She makes me the happiest guy in the world. Thank you for being amazing each and every day. Happy birthday Katya.️”
McCarthy arrived at Michigan ahead of the 2021 season and played behind starting QB Cade McNamara. He celebrated three years with Kuropas that October.
“3 trips around the sun with the love of my life. I honestly do not even know where I would be without this girl in my life,” he gushed via Instagram. “I simply do not deserve her because of the kind of woman she is. The pureness in her heart and soul is just one the many qualities that make this girl so incredible.”
McCarthy went on to make it clear that religion was part of their relationship, adding, “I am beyond blessed and grateful for God bringing this woman into my life and I pray that she is by my side for years to come.”
During his second season in blue and maize, McCarthy was named the starter over McNamara.
“J.J. had a near-flawless performance. 11-for-12 and then one was dropped. That’s tough to do any day of the week in practice,” head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters after McCarthy led Michigan to a 56-10 win over Hawaii in September 2022. “I thought he had a great game. He’s playing really well, we’ll start J.J. next week. By merit, he’s earned that. That’s by performance, by merit.”
One month later, he commemorated four years with Kuropas by his side.
“I can’t believe it’s been 4 years my lovey,” he wrote. “High school sweethearts, but feels like I’ve known you since the play pen. Blessed and extremely grateful for your love and pure heart. Together, forever, whatever life brings.”
Throughout the year, McCarthy’s success on the field continued as well — until an undefeated Michigan lost to Texas Christian University in the College Football Playoff on December 31, 2022.
Scroll through to see McCarthy and Kuropas’ relationship timeline:
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
University of Michigan Quarterback J.J. McCarthy and Girlfriend Katya Kuropas’ Relationship Timeline
University of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy is busy on and off the field. The college athlete has been dating his girlfriend, Katya Kuropas, for more than four years. McCarthy and Kuropas fell for each other while they were in high school in Illinois. The football player made a name for himself at Nazareth Academy, committing to Michigan in May 2019 after being rated one of the top quarterback recruits ahead of his junior and senior years of high school. Months before he opted to play for the Wolverines, he went Instagram official with Kuropas. “I AM THE LUCKY ONE TO BE DATING THIS GIRL,” he gushed in January 2019 via Instagram. “She makes me the happiest guy in the world. Thank you for being amazing each and every day. Happy birthday Katya.️” McCarthy arrived at Michigan ahead of the 2021 season and played behind starting QB Cade McNamara. He celebrated three years with Kuropas that October. “3 trips around the sun with the love of my life. I honestly do not even know where I would be without this girl in my life,” he gushed via Instagram. “I simply do not deserve her because of the kind of woman she is. The pureness in her heart and soul is just one the many qualities that make this girl so incredible.” McCarthy went on to make it clear that religion was part of their relationship, adding, “I am beyond blessed and grateful for God bringing this woman into my life and I pray that she is by my side for years to come.” During his second season in blue and maize, McCarthy was named the starter over McNamara. “J.J. had a near-flawless performance. 11-for-12 and then one was dropped. That’s tough to do any day of the week in practice,” head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters after McCarthy led Michigan to a 56-10 win over Hawaii in September 2022. “I thought he had a great game. He’s playing really well, we’ll start J.J. next week. By merit, he’s earned that. That’s by performance, by merit.” One month later, he commemorated four years with Kuropas by his side. “I can’t believe it’s been 4 years my lovey,” he wrote. “High school sweethearts, but feels like I’ve known you since the play pen. Blessed and extremely grateful for your love and pure heart. Together, forever, whatever life brings.” Throughout the year, McCarthy’s success on the field continued as well — until an undefeated Michigan lost to Texas Christian University in the College Football Playoff on December 31, 2022. Scroll through to see McCarthy and Kuropas’ relationship timeline:
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
2018
The twosome started dating.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
August 2019
The athlete marked “365 days of loving” Kuropas.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
December 2019
McCarthy referred to his love as “my rock” during his junior year of high school.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
June 2020
“Some things just go better together️,” he gushed via Instagram.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
October 2020
The twosome celebrated two years of officially dating.
“They say, once a man finds the right woman for him, he can accomplish anything. I am blessed and thankful for finding the right one for me at such a young age,” McCarthy wrote via Instagram. “Honored to have spent 2 years of my life with the woman of my dreams, and excited for the years to come️ #730days.”
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
April 2021
The duo posed for a sweet snap.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
September 2021
“How’d I get so lucky 🥰,” the football player gushed via Instagram.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
October 2021
In his third anniversary tribute, McCarthy referred to Kuropas as the “love of my life.”
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
January 2022
“Happy cake day to the most beautiful soul ️,” he wrote in his girlfriend’s birthday tribute. “Not only are you the love of my life, you are my best friend and someone who has always pushed me to be the best possible version of myself every single day. 19 down with many many more to come, and I would be the luckiest man in the world to be able to experience the rest of them by your side. Happy 19th @katyakuropas !!! I love you beyond measure ️️️.”
Credit: Courtesy of Katya Kuropas/VSCO
October 2022
Kuropas was on hand to watch McCarthy’s first season as Michigan’s starting quarterback as the couple marked four years together on October 8.
Credit: Courtesy of Katya Kuropas/VSCO
November 2022
Kuropas watched McCarthy and the Wolverines beat Purdue to win the Big Ten Championship on December 3.
Credit: ESPN
December 2022
Kuropas made waves online during the Fiesta Bowl as ESPN continued to show her reactions in the crowd when Michigan played TCU on New Year’s Eve. (McCarthy and the Wolverines lost 51-45.)
In order to view the gallery, please allow Manage Cookies
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/03/13/944/n/1922564/d622b9d469b48422e6e635.21843939_.png "The Best Early Amazon Big Spring Sale Fashion Deals, From Calvin Klein to Coach")
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/03/03/765/n/1922564/0b94541a69a718b304a9e1.72082455_.png "Feel-Good Street Style: How Our Editors Wear UGGs in 2026")
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/02/25/940/n/1922564/9f3e52c1699f6af941f710.31293332_.png "'90s Grunge Is Back, Plus 8 Other Fall 2026 Fashion Trends to Know")
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/02/18/893/n/1922564/857ece5a69962087501ab8.98904531_.jpg "Everything to Know About the \"Love Is Blind\" Engagement Rings")
