Cade McDonald (born May 7, 2001) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans and the Miami Redhawks.
College career McDonald played college football for the Michigan State Spartans from 2019 to 2022 and the Miami Redhawks from 2023 to 2024. He walked-on to the team at Michigan State and played in three snaps against Rutgers in his redshirt year. McDonald saw limited action the following two years before his junior year where he played in 11 games as punt returner and wide receiver. On May 8, 2023, he transferred to Miami University.
In McDonald's first season at Miami, he recorded 28 catches for 353 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned punts for the RedHawks, leading the conference in average yards per return (12.7), garnering second-team All-MAC honors. In his final year, McDonald had a career season, registering 52 catches for 631 yards and three touchdowns.
Professional career
Cleveland Browns After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL draft, McDonald signed with the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent. He was waived by the team on August 26 before reverting to the injured reserve the following day. On October 21, 2025, McDonald was released from the injured reserve.
Ottawa Redblacks On February 5, 2026, McDonald signed with the Ottawa Redblacks.
Career statistics LegendBoldCareer high
College YearTeamGamesReceivingRushingPunt returns2019Michigan State1000—000—000—02020Michigan State302157.5000—000—02021Michigan State5000—000—01 -1 -1.002022Michigan State11033110.3000—044411.002023Miami (OH)1352835512.73284.001822912.702024Miami (OH)12115263112.13177.0014825.90Career4516851,03212.163155.00373549.60
References
External links Ottawa Redblacks bio Miami Redhawks bio Michigan State Spartans bio