The Most Competitive QB Battle in College Football
One of the most compelling quarterback battles in all of college football is taking place in Johnson City, Tennessee. East Tennessee State University made headlines this offseason by landing not one, but two high-profile quarterbacks from the transfer portal: Jacolby Criswell from the University of North Carolina and Cade McNamara from the University of Iowa. Both signal-callers bring Power 4 pedigree, blue-chip potential, and decorated high school résumés, including Elite 11 honors and Gatorade Player of the Year awards—McNamara in Nevada (2018) and Criswell in Arkansas (2019).
Cade McNamara: The Proven Veteran
On paper, McNamara boasts the more polished résumé. With 29 career starts and 23 wins between his time at Michigan and Iowa, his experience playing against top competition is hard to beat. He led Michigan to a share of the Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth in 2021, showcasing elite poise and leadership. However, his biggest concern is durability.
McNamara has battled significant knee injuries in consecutive seasons. A right knee injury in September 2022 sidelined him for the remainder of the year after surgery. Then, just five games into the 2023 campaign, he tore the ACL in his left knee, ending another promising season prematurely. Despite the setbacks, McNamara enters ETSU with a clean bill of health, ready to lead a team and reclaim his form as one of college football’s steadiest quarterbacks.
Though not known for his athleticism, McNamara thrives in the pocket with quick reads, accuracy, and the kind of leadership that can rally a locker room. During his time at Iowa, however, he wasn’t asked to do much, as the Hawkeyes relied heavily on their ground game and defense. ETSU may offer him a fresh start and a system where he can finally be the focal point of the offense again.
While not as highly acclaimed as McNamara, Jacolby Criswell brings a lot to the table. He’s a good athlete, known for his dual-threat capability. He’s equipped with a thick, powerful frame (6’1″, 230 lbs) and the ability to absorb contact. He’s currently listed at 230 pounds, which bests McNamara’s sufficient yet smaller size at 205 pounds.
Jacolby Criswell: The Dynamic Dual-Threat
Criswell also has legitimate arm talent, boasting above-average strength and the ability to stretch the field vertically. Though he lacks McNamara’s extensive starting experience, he has proven himself on big stages, recording four wins as a starter in the ACC. His physical profile and versatile skill set could give him the edge as modern offenses are leaning more towards an RPO approach.
Coaching Changes Signal a New Direction
The quarterback decision will rest with ETSU’s new-look coaching staff, led by head coach Will Healy. Healy brings with him a mix of experience and energy, having served as the assistant head coach at Georgia State, UCF, and as head coach at Austin Peay and Charlotte. He’ll be joined by offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Cam Aiken, who arrives from Ole Miss, where he served under Lane Kiffin during the Rebels’ explosive 2024 campaign. Ole Miss finished second in the nation in total offense (521.3 yards/game) and seventh in scoring (37.5 points/game)—a sign that ETSU’s offense could be due for a major transformation.
A New Identity for ETSU Football
The Buccaneers are looking to return to the form they showed in 2021, when they went 11-2 and reached the FCS playoff quarterfinals. But this year’s identity may look very different. No longer built around the all-time ETSU rushing leader and All-American Quay Holmes, the 2025 team could be centered on a dynamic passing attack led by one of these two quarterbacks—or possibly both.
With an upgraded quarterback room, a progressive coaching staff, and postseason aspirations, ETSU is positioning itself for a breakthrough season. Whether it’s the experience and leadership of McNamara or the athleticism and upside of Criswell, the Buccaneers appear ready to make noise on the national stage.
Only time will tell who wins the job—or if both will see the field. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on ETSU this fall.
Content Creator & Senior Writer for NFL Draft Diamonds. Independent Scouting Consultant.