Cade McNamara is on the move and won’t be going too far in the Big Ten.
McNamara will head to Iowa. Pete Thamel of ESPN reported Thursday night that the former Michigan Wolverines quarterback has committed to the Hawkeyes. He tweeted, “Former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara has committed to transfer to Iowa. An announcement is expected soon.”
News of his intended transfer from the Michigan program surfaced late last month.
Last season, McNamara helped lead Michigan to its first win over rival Ohio State since 2011. He also helped guide the team to its first true Big Ten Championship since 2003. Fittingly, that win came against the Hawkeyes. McNamara also starred in the 2021 College Football Playoff, but he and the Wolverines couldn’t defeat eventual champion Georgia in the Orange Bowl.
After limited play in 2021, McNamara threw for over 2,500 yards last season. He recorded 15 passing touchdowns with just six interceptions. He began the year Michigan’s as starter but was replaced later by former five-star recruit J.J. McCarthy.
Iowa’s offense was beleaguered in 2022. The only Big Ten teams who ranked worse in Yards/Play and Yards/Pass Attempt were Indiana and Rutgers. Iowa hopes that McNamara can be just what the doctor ordered to cure their offensive woes.
Inter-conference transfers were something thought to be unheard of not too long ago. Now, it’s open season. College football “free agency” adds another chapter with McNamara’s transfer from the Wolverines to the Hawkeyes.