Former Ankeny quarterback Jase Bauer has re-entered the transfer portal.
Bauer, who played three seasons at Central Michigan before transferring to Sam Houston last December, announced on Tuesday that he will play his final season elsewhere. His departure comes two days after Sam Houston coach K.C. Keeler announced that he is stepping down, effective immediately.
Bauer played in seven games this season, helping the Bearkats to a 9-3 record. He completed 40-of-65 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 195 yards on 45 carries.
Bauer led Ankeny to the Class 4A state title as a senior in 2020. He was named the captain of the Class 4A all-state team.
Bauer passed for 1,881 yards and 12 touchdowns while helping Central Michigan to a 5-7 record in 2023. After entering the transfer portal, he visited Northern Illinois, Northern Iowa and Sam Houston before choosing the Bearkats.
Keeler had coached at Sam Houston for 11 seasons. He guided the Bearkats to the FCS national championship in the spring of 2021 before navigating the program through its transition to the FBS and Conference USA.
Pending a bowl invitation, offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen will serve as interim head coach for the Bearkats’ first bowl appearance at the FBS level. A search for a new head coach will begin immediately while Bauer searches for a new home.