Superstar Big Ten Quarterback Announces He’s Entering The NCAA Transfer Portal In Surprise Turn Of Events
Big Ten logo (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
For the second time in his career, college football star quarterback Cade McNamara will enter the transfer portal.
Following an inconsistent 2024 season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Cade McNamara has decided to take his talents elsewhere. McNamara announced in an Instagram post on Wednesday that he’s officially entering the transfer portal:
“I want to specifically thank Coach Ferentz, Coach Lester, and the entire Iowa Football staff for their unwavering support and wisdom. I will truly miss this program and state, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.
With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal. I’m looking forward to this offseason, being the healthiest I’ve been in years, and continuing my growth as a player, leader, and person. I am excited to see where God takes my football journey next.
Now and forever, Go Hawks!”
McNamara, who’s already played six college football seasons, missed the Hawkeyes’ final four regular-season games because of a concussion. His 2024 campaign ends with a 60.5 completion percentage for 1,017 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions.
Former Northwestern quarterback Brendan Sullivan and ex-Colorado State signal-caller Jackson Stratton have gotten playing time with Cade McNamara sidelines. Sullivan has 344 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, with Stratton throwing for 219 yards and one TD in 35 pass attempts.
After starring at Damonte Ranch High School in Reno, Nevada, McNamara joined Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines in 2019. He appeared in 21 games over his four seasons with the school, throwing for 3,181 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Unable to win the starting quarterback battle with JJ McCarthy, who helped Michigan to a national championship in 2023, Cade McNamara joined Iowa State through the transfer portal in 2022.
Last season, McNamara had four touchdowns and three interceptions in five games before suffering a season-ending ACL tear. For his career, McNamara has 4,703 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
Cade McNamara Eyes Another Fresh Start
McNamara is running out of time to show scouts that he has a future in the NFL. 2025 will mark his seventh season of college football, so he’ll be nearing his 26th birthday by the time the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around.
There are some late bloomers, yes, like Kurt Warner and Doug Flutie. But McNamara has still yet to put together an eye-popping season in the college ranks, and 2025 just might be his last chance to buy himself a ticket to the pros.
