QB Cade McNamara – Iowa (Michigan)
The skinny: Every college football fan knows that the Iowa offense was the target of ridicule throughout the 2022 season. To try and help alleviate the problem, the Hawkeyes brought in McNamara from their conference rival. While McNamara did not play much last season, he performed well in 2021 with 2,576 yards, 15 touchdowns and a 64.2% completion rate. Iowa fans would be ecstatic if these are the numbers he produces this fall, compared to the 1,725 yards, five touchdowns and 55.9% completion rate they received from their starter, Spencer Petras, last season.
QB Tanner Mordecai – Wisconsin (SMU)
The skinny: Graham Mertz was supposed to be the quarterback answer in Madison, but that did not progress the way many expected. With him transferring to Florida, the Badgers added Mordecai, a veteran signal-caller who has proven his abilities while with the Mustangs. Long considered a power-running team, which is still a possibility with the return of star running back Braelon Allen, Mordecai, who passed for 7,152 and 72 touchdowns during the last two seasons, gives Wisconsin a passing dimension that has not been seen in Madison in years.
DE Josaiah Stewart – Michigan (Coastal Carolina)
The skinny: Michigan’s defense was dominant for the majority of the 2022 season, allowing only 16.1 points and 292.1 yards per game. Adding Stewart will likely continue this success, as he arrives in Ann Arbor after totaling 79 tackles, 26 tackles for a loss, 16.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in two seasons with the Chanticleers. While he is a bit undersized at defensive end, his natural playmaking abilities will make him a very important part of the Wolverines’ defense in 2023.
TE Arik Gilbert – Nebraska (Georgia)
The skinny: The former five-star recruit burst onto the collegiate scene in 2020 at LSU with 35 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns. However, after his impressive true freshman season, he transferred to Georgia and failed to make an impact in Athens. Now taking his talents to Nebraska and new head coach Matt Rhule, he should be put into the position to showcase his NFL-level talents once again in Lincoln. Some may have forgotten about Gilbert’s vast talents, but they will likely be reminded this fall.
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QB Hudson Card – Purdue (Texas)
The skinny: Arriving in Texas as one of the top high school quarterback recruits in the country, Card’s time in Austin did not go as expected. Looking for a fresh start after two seasons with the Longhorns, Card found a new home at Purdue, where he will replace Aidan O’Connell. In West Lafayette he will be working with new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell and his air raid offense, which should help him shine in his new environment.
