‘It’s a proven successful program’: Bauer to play his final season at UT Martin

Jase Bauer led Ankeny to the Class 4A state championship in 2020, when he was named the captain of the all-state team. He is shown here during the Hawks’ double-overtime victory against Dowling Catholic in the semifinals, which ended the Maroons’ seven-year reign as state champions. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)

Jase Bauer will play his final collegiate football season in the Volunteer state.

The former Ankeny quarterback announced on Monday that he will transfer to the University of Tennessee Martin, an NCAA Division I FCS program.

“I loved the coaches!” Bauer said. “It’s a proven successful program with an opportunity to play.”

UT Martin went 9-5 this season. The Skyhawks lost at No. 1 Montana State, 49-17, in the second round of the FCS playoffs.

Grad transfer quarterback Kinkead Dent, who previously played at Ole Miss, passed for 2,505 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 333 yards and seven scores. But he is out of eligibility, creating an opening that Bauer could fill.

Bauer helped Sam Houston to a 9-3 record this season. He played in seven games, completing 40-of-65 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 195 yards and 45 carries.

Bauer played his previous three seasons at Central Michigan, where he passed for 1,881 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

UT Martin quarterbacks coach Danny Modelski served as a quarterback graduate assistant at Central Michigan in 2021-22.

“I had a connection with him,” Bauer said.