# JJ McCarthy opting not to wear eyeblack in Giants win over Texans likely linked to his hatred for Ohio State

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/jj-mccarthy-opting-not-to-wear-eyeblack-in-giants-win-over-texans-likely-linked-to-his-hatred-for-ohio-state/
- Published: 2026-10-26T16:57:06+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-27T03:53:50+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Far right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/jj-mccarthy-opting-not-wear-eyeblack-giants-win-texans-likely-linked-hatred-ohio-state
- Topics: Art, Culture, World

## Key points

- McCarthy won his first Giants start in overtime.
- He played without his usual eye black.
- The article suggests the choice referenced Ohio State and CJ Stroud.

## Summary

JJ McCarthy led the New York Giants to an overtime win over the Houston Texans in his first start for the team, and played without the eye black he has usually worn throughout his career. The article links the change to his long-running dislike of Ohio State, suggesting it was a pointed gesture because Texans quarterback CJ Stroud played for the Buckeyes.

McCarthy went 3-0 against Ohio State while playing for Michigan, after saying he felt misled during his recruitment by coach Ryan Day; Ohio State later recruited quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Kyle McCord. Stroud lost twice to Michigan and remains winless against teams led by McCarthy, according to the article. The story presents the reason for McCarthy’s eye-black choice as an assumption rather than a confirmed explanation.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.