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Cade McNamara, the starting quarterback for the Iowa Hawkeyes in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, has officially entered the transfer portal. McNamara’s two years in Iowa City were marked by injuries that limited his impact, but he still managed to contribute significantly to the team.
McNamara began his college football career at the University of Michigan as a member of the 2019 recruiting class. Over the course of four years with the Wolverines, he played in 21 games, showcasing his skills and leadership. However, after the 2022 season, McNamara made the decision to transfer to Iowa, seeking a fresh start. His arrival in Iowa City came amid some controversy, as reports surfaced regarding an improper contact violation between Iowa’s coaching staff and McNamara before he entered the transfer portal, leading to a one-game suspension for Iowa’s head coach, Kirk Ferentz.
Injury Struggles at Iowa
McNamara’s time with the Hawkeyes, unfortunately, was marred by injury. Over the span of two seasons, he compiled 1,522 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Despite his best efforts, McNamara’s ability to perform at his full potential was hindered by various health issues. He played in 13 games during his time at Iowa, but the injuries left many wondering what could have been if he had been able to stay healthy.
Gratitude for His Iowa Experience
Despite the challenges, McNamara reflected on his time at Iowa with deep appreciation. In an emotional Instagram post announcing his decision to transfer, he expressed his gratitude for the people and experiences he encountered during his time with the Hawkeyes.
"My last two years at the University of Iowa have been an incredible journey. Through so many ups and downs, I couldn’t be more thankful for the amazing people and experiences I’ve had here. I am deeply grateful for the relationships I’ve built with my teammates, coaches, and newfound friends.," he wrote on instagram.
McNamara also took time to thank head coach Kirk Ferentz and offensive coordinator Brian Lester for their support during his time at Iowa. "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."
Iowa’s 2023 Season and McNamara's Impact
Iowa finished the 2023 regular season with a strong 8-4 record, and McNamara played a role in leading the team through various ups and downs. However, due to the injury struggles, his time in Iowa will be remembered as a journey of perseverance and personal growth rather than a series of standout performances on the field.
As McNamara moves on to the next chapter of his football career, he leaves Iowa with a wealth of memories and a deep sense of gratitude for the program and the state. The next step in his journey remains to be seen, but he will undoubtedly take the lessons learned from Iowa with him.
