Reports: Michigan QB Dylan McCaffrey looking to transfer

According to multiple reports, including from Angelique Chengelis of The Detroit News, Michigan quarterback Dylan McCaffrey is opting out of the 2020 season and is seeking a transfer to another program. Chengelis also reports he will graduate from U-M in December and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

The redshirt junior entered the 2020 offseason as the favorite to land the starting quarterback job, but numerous reports have penciled Joe Milton into the starting role for the upcoming season. Sam Webb from The Michigan Insider ($) also reported back in August that redshirt freshman Cade McNamara has been “throwing the ball a lot better” and that “a few observers called him the second-best performer in a couple recent practices.”

The writing was on the wall for McCaffrey once Milton emerged as the No. 1 quarterback this offseason. It was long speculated the loser of the battle would seek a transfer, so this news should not come as a big surprise.

McCaffrey was thrust into action for the first time against Notre Dame in 2018. He performed well given the circumstances, and looked to be a solid backup to Shea Patterson at the time. He suffered a season-ending collarbone injury during the Penn State game, but looked solid otherwise. He finished that year completing 8-of-15 passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran 10 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns.

Fast forward to 2019 and McCaffrey nearly came away the starting quarterback during the Wisconsin game once Patterson was benched. But a concussion during that game brought all that to a screeching halt. He finished the year 10-of-20 for 116 yards and one score. He also ran 13 times for 67 yards and one touchdown.

McCaffrey becomes the fourth player to opt out of the 2020 season for Michigan, joining running back Christian Turner (COVID-19 concerns), right tackle Jalen Mayfield (NFL Draft prep) and cornerback Ambry Thomas (NFL Draft prep).