The NFL has done McCarthy no favors, ramping up a gauntlet for the 22-year-old quarterback right out of the gate. Upon the release of the NFL's 2025 season schedule, the Vikings are scheduled to have seven nationally-televised games, putting McCarthy in the limelight early and often.

Having made it clear he is ready for the task of being a starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy will be tasked with leading a Minnesota Vikings team that has high expectations into the 2025 season.

Big names Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Will Fries, Jordan Mason, Jeff Okduh, Ryan Kelly and Isaiah Rodgers all signed with the Vikings over the offseason and the club retained stars Aaron Jones, Byron Murphy Jr. and Theo Jackson.