IN PHOTOS: Michigan crew rejoices as J.J. McCarthy gets engaged to ladylove Katya Kuropas 2 weeks after bagging natty championship

J.J. McCarthy and Katya Kuropas have been dating each other for more than five years. The love story started back in their high school in Illinois and has been going strong since. The couple decided to take the next step in their relationship as the former Wolverine popped the question to his lady love.

The news of McCarthy’s engagement with Kuropas came weeks after he won the national championship title with Jim Harbaugh’s side, and it gave the Michigan crew a new reason to celebrate. Many of the QB’s former teammates reacted to the engagement news, congratulating the couple for their life ahead.

Here are a few reactions from the Michigan Wolverines stars as their QB, J.J. McCarthy announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend, Katya Kuropas.

The long break is almost over as we’re just four days away from seeing Alabama football back in action as they get set to take on the Michigan Wolverines in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve in Tampa, Florida.

This is a rematch of last season’s Rose Bowl, a heartbreaking overtime defeat for the Crimson Tide that was ultimately the final game of Nick Saban’s legendary coaching career. The coaches on both sidelines are different, and there are plenty of new characters, but there are still plenty of holdovers from last season’s Alabama team that will be amply motivated to beat the Wolverines.

Both teams finished their regular seasons the way they always hope to: with wins in big rivalry games. Alabama defeated Auburn at home 28-14 for its fifth straight Iron Bowl victory. Michigan stunned Ohio State on the road as big underdogs to win their fourth straight in “The Game.”

Both teams will be missing some key players in this one as Michigan has had several opt-outs, none bigger than star DL Mason Graham. Alabama avoided the opt-out bug but lost a few contributors to the Transfer Portal like Justice Haynes and DeVonta Smith, and will have seriously limited depth at WR after losing four players to the Portal and having three others injured.

Non-playoff bowl games tend to be the rise of some unheralded players who get opportunities and thrive, setting themselves up for big years in 2025.

Here’s three players who could be X-Factors for Alabama.

3 players who could be X-Factors for Alabama against Michigan

3. Wilkin Formby

Reports have indicated that star left tackle Kadyn Proctor may miss the ReliaQuest Bowlwith a shoulder injury that will require surgery. That hasn’t been confirmed by Kalen DeBoer or anyone at Alabama, and Proctor has practiced since the report came out.