Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

4,000-Yard Big Ten QB Announces Unexpected Transfer Portal Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Jan 18, 2025 10:27 AM ET

The college football transfer portal saw a major influx in the first window (Dec. 9-28), with nearly 2,700 players having entered, per On3Sports.

As players across the nation announced their transfer portal intentions, commitment decisions soon followed, including a couple of intriguing names at Power Four programs.

On Saturday, Iowa Hawkeyes transfer quarterback Cade McNamara announced his intention to transfer to East Tennessee State, per Chris Hummer at 247Sports. McNamara departs from Iowa after two seasons with the Big Ten program.

Prior to his time with the Hawkeyes, McNamara was on the Michigan Wolverines' roster from 2020-22.

Iowa transfer QB Cade McNamara is expected to transfer to East Tennessee State, @mzenitz and I have learned for @247Sports.

A starter for Michigan and Iowa in his career, McNamara's thrown for 4,703 yards and 31 TDs. https://t.co/ECCIqMFIUs pic.twitter.com/fFFZohOtTV
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 18, 2025

During his five-year college career, McNamara has thrown for 31 touchdowns and 4,703 yards with a 60.9 completion percentage.

McNamara was the starter for the Wolverines in 2021, leading the program to the Orange Bowl. During that season, where he received his most significant playing opportunity, McNamara recorded 15 touchdown passes and 2,576 yards with a 64.2 completion percentage.

He earned eight starts with the Hawkeyes in 2024, throwing for six touchdowns and 1,017 yards with a 60.5 completion percentage.

After taking reps for two massive Big Ten programs, McNamara will join the No. 3 team in the Southern Conference in an unexpected move out of the Power Four and into the Football Championship Subdivision.

The East Tennessee State Buccaneers finished the 2024 season with a 7-5 record and a 5-3 in conference play.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: