Cade McNamara Enters Transfer Portal, Eyes Seventh College Season
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. The announcement, made on Wednesday, signals McNamara’s intent to pursue a seventh college football season in 2025, pending NCAA approval. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound graduate transfer is now on the hunt for a new program to call home after a rollercoaster stint with the Hawkeyes.
McNamara’s time at Iowa has been anything but smooth. Over two seasons, he appeared in 13 games, throwing for 1,522 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. While those numbers might not jump off the page, they only tell part of the story. Injuries plagued McNamara’s tenure in Iowa City, including a season-ending torn ACL in his fifth game of the 2023 season. This year, he returned to start eight games but was sidelined for the final four contests due to a concussion.
From Michigan to Iowa: A Career of Highs and Lows
McNamara’s college football journey began at Michigan in 2019. He rose to prominence as the Wolverines’ starting quarterback during their 2021 campaign, leading the team to a Big Ten title and a coveted College Football Playoff appearance. However, his time in Ann Arbor came to an end when J.J. McCarthy took over the starting role. McNamara subsequently transferred to Iowa at the conclusion of the 2022 season, hoping for a fresh start.
Unfortunately, injuries continued to derail his career. In 2022, McNamara suffered a season-ending knee injury at Michigan, appearing in just three games. This setback could work in his favor now, as he plans to seek a medical redshirt to regain that year of eligibility. If granted, it would allow him to suit up for a seventh college season in 2025—a rarity in college football.
Controversy and Comebacks
McNamara’s final weeks with Iowa were marred by controversy. After he did not travel with the team to their game against Maryland, rumors swirled about his status with the program. McNamara took to social media to address the speculation, posting a statement on X (formerly Twitter) to push back against what he called “ridiculous accusations.” He clarified that while he had been cleared to practice following his concussion against Northwestern on October 26, he had not yet been cleared to play in games.
With McNamara sidelined, Iowa turned to backup quarterbacks to finish the season. Brendan Sullivan, a transfer from Northwestern, initially stepped in but suffered a season-ending ankle injury. That left third-string quarterback Jackson Stratton to take the reins. Stratton rose to the occasion, leading the Hawkeyes to victories over Maryland and Nebraska to close out the season with an 8-4 record.
What’s Next for Iowa and McNamara?
As McNamara explores his options in the transfer portal, Iowa faces its own set of questions at the quarterback position. Both Sullivan and Stratton are eligible to return in 2025, but the Hawkeyes are expected to be active in the transfer portal this offseason in search of additional depth and competition at the position.
For McNamara, the road ahead is uncertain but full of potential. If the NCAA grants his waiver for an additional year of eligibility, he’ll have the chance to write a new chapter in his college football career. Whether he lands at a Power Five program or opts for a smaller school, one thing is clear: Cade McNamara isn’t done yet.
Key Takeaways
- Cade McNamara has entered the NCAA transfer portal and is seeking a seventh college football season in 2025.
- He threw for 1,522 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 13 games during his two seasons at Iowa.
- Injuries, including a torn ACL and a concussion, have significantly impacted his career.
- McNamara previously led Michigan to a Big Ten title and College Football Playoff appearance in 2021.
- Iowa is expected to explore quarterback options in the transfer portal this offseason.
As the college football offseason heats up, all eyes will be on McNamara and where he lands next. Will he find a program that can help him recapture the magic of his 2021 season? Stay tuned—this story is far from over.
Originally Written by: Adam Rittenberg
