Cade McNamara, the former starting quarterback for Iowa, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal while also seeking a seventh year of eligibility from the NCAA. McNamara made the public announcement via social media on Wednesday.

In his message on Instagram, he reflected on his time at the University of Iowa, describing it as an “incredible journey” filled with both challenges and triumphs. He expressed his gratitude for the “amazing people and experiences” he encountered during his tenure, emphasizing the meaningful relationships he formed with teammates, coaches, and friends.

McNamara began his college football career at Michigan in 2019, where he started in the final game of the 2020 season. He played a pivotal role in the Wolverines’ success during the 2021 season, starting all 14 games as the team secured the Big Ten championship and reached the College Football Playoff. However, his time there was complicated by a disappointing loss in the semifinal against Georgia, where he was benched.

Following the 2021 season, McNamara started the opening game for Michigan in 2022 but faced setbacks due to a knee injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. In 2023, he transferred to Iowa but encountered further difficulties—a quadricep injury during preseason practices followed by an ACL tear during his fifth game.

His health issues continued when he suffered a concussion in a game against Northwestern on October 26 and did not return to play. Over the last two seasons, McNamara contributed to nine victories in the 13 games he played.

In concluding his statement, McNamara expressed his fondness for the Iowa program and the state, stating, “they will always hold a special place in my heart.” He shared his excitement for the upcoming offseason and his goal to focus on improving his health and continuing his growth as a player and leader. He is looking forward to the next chapter of his football career and is eager to see where his journey leads him next.