Former Notre Dame quarterback Gunner Kiel plans to transfer to Cincinnati.
Kiel recently visited Cincinnati, Ball State, Miami University in Ohio and considered visiting Mississippi this upcoming weekend. He also looked into Kansas State and Mississippi State.
"Cincinnati was the best fit for me because the relationship I have with [quarterbacks] coach [Darin] Hinshaw is like nothing else. He is a great overall person and is someone I know I can get coached by," Kiel said Wednesday. "The group of guys I'm going to be around is second to none. I love where they are heading and the future is bright."
Kiel, 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, was one of the nation's most -recruited players after a stellar career at Columbus East High School in Indiana.
After high school, Kiel committed to Indiana, then LSU, before settling on Notre Dame.
But redshirt freshman Everett Golson won the starting position and led the Irish to the national championship game last season.
Like with Hinshaw, Kiel also has developed a good relationship with Cincinnati offensive coordinator Eddie Gran.
Cincinnati has two senior quarterbacks, Munchie Legaux and Brendon Kay. Kiel will have three years of eligibility remaining and said he wanted a chance to compete for a starting position in 2014.
The Bearcats plan to use a pro-style, multiple offense that should suit Kiel's strengths. Cincinnati probably won't run as much zone-read offense as some other programs are currently using.
Kiel's addition is considered a coup for first-year Bearcats coach Tommy Tuberville. Kiel grew up in Columbus, Ind., which is about 90 miles from Cincinnati.