Two Former Michigan Wolverines Signal Comeback to Football Spotlight

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In a development that has stirred excitement among Michigan football fans and piqued interest across the college football and professional scouting communities, two former University of Michigan football standouts have taken concrete steps to make a return to the sport that defined their collegiate careers. The duo — former star quarterback Cade McNamara and standout linebacker Devin Bush Jr. — are each charting distinct comeback paths, aiming to revive and potentially redefine their football journeys.

Cade McNamara Eyes Leadership Role Post-Injury

Cade McNamara, who once led Michigan to its first College Football Playoff appearance in 2021, has declared his intent to return to full action following an extended injury hiatus. McNamara transferred to the University of Iowa in late 2022 but was sidelined by a season-ending knee injury in 2023 that halted what was anticipated to be a transformative campaign for the Hawkeyes.

Now medically cleared and back in competitive shape, McNamara is looking to not only reassert himself as a starter but also reclaim the spark that made him a household name in Ann Arbor. Speaking to reporters during a private workout session last week in Chicago, McNamara expressed both humility and determination.

“It’s been a journey — physically, mentally, emotionally. But I never lost my love for the game, and I’m ready to lead again,” he said. “I’ve grown a lot, and I feel like I have unfinished business.”

McNamara’s leadership during Michigan’s 2021 season was pivotal, as he managed a balanced offense and made timely plays en route to a Big Ten Championship and a long-awaited win over Ohio State. Although he later lost the starting role to J.J. McCarthy, McNamara’s impact and poise during pressure-packed moments left a lasting impression on fans and analysts alike.

His decision to transfer to Iowa was met with both support and curiosity. It presented an opportunity to showcase his skills in a new system, under a different coaching philosophy. But the untimely knee injury early in the 2023 season curtailed that vision. His comeback now hinges on his ability to adapt, lead, and stay healthy — a challenge McNamara appears ready to face head-on.

Devin Bush Jr. Looks to Reignite NFL Career

On the professional front, linebacker Devin Bush Jr. is making headlines with his latest bid to reestablish his NFL career after a turbulent couple of seasons. A first-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 and a former Butkus Award finalist at Michigan, Bush showed early promise in the league. However, a 2020 ACL injury disrupted his trajectory, and his subsequent performances in Pittsburgh were inconsistent.

After a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023, Bush found himself without a team at the close of the season. But insiders report that the linebacker has been training intensively in South Florida and has met with several NFL teams over the past few weeks, including the Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, and New England Patriots.

“He looks strong, explosive — like his old self,” said a scout who attended a private workout session with Bush last week. “The burst is there. His instincts are there. If a team is willing to take a shot, he could be one of the steals of the offseason.”

Bush, known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and high football IQ, was a cornerstone of Michigan’s defense from 2016 to 2018. His leadership and fierce tackling earned him second-team All-American honors and solidified his reputation as a high-upside defensive prospect.

Speaking on a recent episode of “The Pivot” podcast, Bush acknowledged his rocky NFL path but emphasized that he’s far from done.

“The injuries threw me off rhythm, no doubt. But I’ve learned a lot — how to be patient, how to listen to my body, how to grow as a person and as a player,” Bush said. “I’m not chasing the past. I’m chasing the best version of myself.”

Wolverine Legacy and Fan Reaction

For Michigan fans, the dual return efforts of McNamara and Bush serve as a testament to the program’s ability to develop resilient, high-character athletes. While the two played during different eras — McNamara in the post-Harbaugh CFP push, and Bush in the earlier Big Ten resurgence — both are deeply respected among the Wolverines faithful.

Social media has buzzed with supportive messages and optimistic predictions.

“Cade’s leadership was everything in 2021 — Michigan doesn’t get to the CFP without him. Hoping he balls out in Iowa this year,” one fan tweeted. Another added, “Devin Bush still has elite tools. If he’s healthy and hungry, he’ll thrive again.”

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, currently coaching in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers, even weighed in during a recent press conference.

“I love those guys — warriors. Tough, smart, driven. I’m not surprised they’re coming back strong. I’d take them on my team any day.”

A Bigger Picture

The stories of McNamara and Bush resonate beyond personal redemption. In many ways, they symbolize the evolving nature of college and professional football — how injuries, competition, and the transfer portal can disrupt careers, but also provide new opportunities for growth and redefinition.

In McNamara’s case, his comeback could also influence how quarterbacks are evaluated in today’s collegiate landscape, especially with the rise of the transfer portal and NIL considerations. For Bush, his journey reflects the physical and mental toll of professional football — but also the value of perseverance.

Looking Ahead

McNamara is expected to participate fully in Iowa’s summer training program and is likely to be under center when the Hawkeyes open the 2025 season. Bush, meanwhile, may sign with an NFL team before training camps open in late July, according to league insiders.

Both comebacks will be closely watched. If successful, they could reintroduce two of Michigan’s finest into the football spotlight and offer powerful examples of grit, resilience, and second chances.

As fall approaches, one thing is clear: Cade McNamara and Devin Bush Jr. are not done writing their football stories — not by a long shot.