Big Ten Quarterback Transfers to Iowa for a “New Beginning”

A former Michigan quarterback who helped lead the Wolverines to a Big Ten title and playoff berth just last year has announced that he is transferring to Iowa following his stint in the transfer portal.

22-year-old Cade McNamara is the latest addition to the Hawkeyes. This new comes after Iowa's backup quarterback Alex Padilla announced he himself was entering the transfer portal. Padilla relieved Iowa's starter Spencer Petras several times this year, sometimes due to injury and other times due to Petras' ineffective performance.

McNamara made the announcement via social media, with a photoshopped image of him in Hawkeye black and gold and the caption "New beginning" on Instagram and Twitter.

McNamara's time at Michigan will mostly be remembered for his 2021 season, which saw the Wolverines enter the college football playoffs hot off a 12-2 record with McNamara at the helm. That year, McNamara completed over 64% of his passes, and tossed 15 touchdowns to six interceptions. Primarily a pocket passer, McNamara only averaged 37 yards rushing.

To start the 2022 season, Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh had McNamara compete with J. J. McCarthy for the starting job. While McNamara started the first game of the season for the Wolverines, McCarthy took over from there, leading Michigan to a 12-0 record with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions on the season. Michigan just beat undefeated Ohio State 45-23 last week.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are poised to look a lot different next year. Also announced today, wide receiver Arland Bruce IV declared he would be entering the transfer portal. Bruce caught 25 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. He was also deployed as a running back, rushing 10 times for 65 yards and three touchdowns in his first season.

Presently, with an injured Petras and a departing Padilla, the Hawkeyes await their upcoming bowl game. Details on where the game will be played and which opponent they'll be facing have not yet been announced.