Cade McNamara is remaining in the Big Ten. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Former Michigan QB Cade McNamara announces transfer decision

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 12/1/22

Sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy took his starting spot at Michigan and should hold it for the foreseeable future. With that in mind, it made sense that senior quarterback Cade McNamara decided to hit the transfer portal.

The expectation was that it wouldn't take McNamara long for him to find a new college home, and that expectation was right on the money. Just a few days after putting his name into the transfer portal, McNamara has announced that he's committing to transfer to Iowa.

New beginning #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/qrK2PJY4NX
— Cade McNamara (@Cademac_12) December 2, 2022

This will be a massive transfer for Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes, especially when considering the fact that senior Spencer Petras, who started much of this season for Iowa and has a year of eligibility left, has been less than inspiring. Yes, he's battled injuries this season, but no matter how you slice it, throwing five interceptions compared to five touchdowns while leading one of the worst college offenses in recent memory is nothing to hang your hat on.

Even worse news for Iowa, before McNamara's transfer, was that Petras' backup, Alex Padilla, just recently put his own name into the transfer portal.

McNamara is now the hands-down favorite to start for Iowa next season, and there's reason to believe he can help the Hawkeyes turn around their offensive struggles.

He was a big part in Michigan's College Football Playoff run last season, playing in 14 games and throwing for 2,470 yards and 15 touchdowns with just six interceptions.

If the Hawkeyes can get that quarterback in 2023 and continue their normal trend of playing dominant defense and special teams, look out...the Hawkeyes could be a major Big Ten contender in short order.

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