Former Big Ten QB Cade McNamara’s college football career takes a complete 180-degree turn in transfer shock

Cade McNamara is no longer a Big Ten quarterback.

According to 247 Sports’ Chris Hummer, McNamara will move to FCS from FBS next season following the news of Mark Gronowski’s transfer from South Dakota State to Iowa in recent weeks.

McNamara reportedly plans to transfer to East Tennessee State, which ended 7-5 last season.

“A starter for Michigan and Iowa in his career, McNamara has thrown for 4,703 yards and 31 TDs,” Hummer tweeted Saturday.

This should not come as a surprise. McNamara had a less-than-ideal season last year despite the Hawkeyes finishing 8-5 and being bowl-eligible under longtime coach Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes struggled offensively almost all season, even having to turn to fellow quarterbacks Brendan Sullivan and Jackson Stratton to find a glimmer of success offensively.

That didn’t happen for McNamara, who after his time in Ann Arbor was considered the answer in Iowa City.

McNamara’s season saw him finish with a 37.5 QBR and six passing touchdowns to five interceptions — a far cry from his sophomore season at Michigan, 2021, in which he finished with 2,576 yards, 15 passing touchdowns and six interceptions.

McNamara said early in the season, he could tell his offense was strugglingespecially after losing to Iowa State.

“We couldn’t score in the red zone and that’s what really hurt us,” McNamara said. “I just think overall our execution wasn’t there and I’ve got to do better.”

It will be interesting to see where McNamara’s career progresses, but for now he’s getting a brand new start.