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Former Michigan quarterback transfers to FCS program

Originally posted on Michigan Wolverines on SI
By Chris Breiler | Last updated Jan 18, 2025 11:41 AM ET

Former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara has reportedly found a new home, signing with FCS program East Tennessee State.

After winning the starting job heading into the 2021 season, McNamara helped guide Michigan to a 12-2 overall record, including a win over Ohio State, a Big Ten championship, and a spot in the College Football Playoff. But following that successful season in 2021, McNamara found himself fighting for his starting job against then-sophomore JJ McCarthy . Although that battle continued into the season, it didn't take long for McCarthy to solidify himself as QB1 in Ann Arbor. In fact, former head coach Jim Harbaugh made the announcement following McCarthy's electric Week 2 performance against Hawaii in the Big House.

The decision to go with McCarthy left McNamara no other choice but to transfer, hoping to land a starting job somewhere else. Shortly after entering the portal, McNamara had announced he was remaining in the Big Ten and had committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes. It seemed like a win for all parties involved. Michigan had found its QB1, McNamara was getting a fresh start, and Iowa was getting a quarterback who had won a Big Ten championship. But unfortunately for McNamara and Iowa, things didn't go as well as either side had hoped.

Although McNamara had shown some promise in Iowa, he also displayed some of the same qualities that cost him the starting job in Ann Arbor. After two seasons in Iowa City, McNamara once again found himself searching for a new home in the transfer portal.

BREAKING: Iowa transfer QB Cade McNamara has signed with ETSU, @PeteNakos_ reports.https://t.co/0pGJcXrJsH pic.twitter.com/nS8UMrO1Qh
— On3 (@On3sports) January 18, 2025