Ex-Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara commits to Iowa

Iowa has made a splash in the transfer portal.

Former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara has committed to Iowa, he said Thursday evening in a tweet.

McNamara, who started all 14 games in Michigan’s 2021 run to the College Football Playoff, provides an instant upgrade to Iowa’s quarterback position.

The Reno, Nev., native has completed 63 percent of his passes and thrown 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his Michigan career. He appeared in three games in 2022 before losing the starting quarterback job in Ann Arbor to former five-star recruit J.J. McCarthy.

McNamara has two years of eligibility left, including his extra COVID-19 year.

He is expected to start for the Hawkeyes ahead of Joe Labas, Carson May and Marco Lainez in 2023. Alex Padilla entered the transfer portal earlier this week.

Spencer Petras could technically use his extra COVID-19 year of eligibility, but the addition of McNamara surely makes that a less appealing option for Petras.

McNamara is Iowa’s first commitment in the transfer portal following the 2022 season and one of the Hawkeyes’ highest-profile quarterback commitments in the Kirk Ferentz era.

The 6-foot-1 quarterback will look to aid an offense that ranked 130th out of 131 FBS teams in yards per game and was tied for 123rd in points per game.

Question marks remain at other offensive positions, namely offensive line and wide receiver. Keagan Johnson, who likely would have been Iowa’s No. 1 wide receiver in 2023, announced plans to enter the transfer portal earlier Thursday.

While Iowa is at a schematic disadvantage when recruiting wide receivers from the portal, McNamara’s commitment could make Iowa a more attractive transfer destination.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com