Former Iowa, Michigan QB Cade McNamara transferring to ETSU
Former Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara has committed to East Tennessee State, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Max Olson had the news first.
McNamara’s long and winding collegiate road began at Michigan, where he was from 2019-22 before staying in the Big Ten and heading to Iowa after the 2022 season.
Now, after all those years in the Big Ten, McNamara is sliding down to the FCS to join the Buccaneers, who play in the Southern Conference and are coming off a 7-5 season in 2024.
McNamara’s departure from the Hawkeyes isn’t entirely surprising after consecutive seasons were cut short by injury. The Hawkeyes also quickly moved on once he entered the transfer portal, landing a commitment from former South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski. Gronowski reportedly got a 7-figure NIL deal at Iowa.
McNamara has thrown for 4,703 yards and 31 touchdowns during his career in the Big Ten with the Wolverines and Hawkeyes.
But things went sideways in 2024 for the quarterback who is now 24 years old. McNamara finished this past season with a 37.5 QBR, just 6 passing touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. His last appearance came against Northwestern on Oct. 26, when he sustained a concussion.
Now, McNamara will seek a successful ending to a long college career away from the FBS and Big Ten spotlight.