The once starting redshirt sophomore quarterback Daniel Santacaterina will no longer be a Huskie, as he will be departing to play for the Redhawks of Southeast Missouri State University.

Santacaterina announced his decision on Twitter Dec. 3.

“I am extremely grateful for what NIU has done for me and my family,” Santacaterina said. “It has been home for the better part of a decade now, and my time [here] has been very special.”

The Geneva, Illinois product threw for 719 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions in a combined three starts.

The quarterback lost his starting position after a week four defeat to the San Diego State Aztecs where he threw three interceptions.

Southeast Missouri State has had past connections to the young quarterback, as current Head Coach Tom Matukewicz served as a linebackers coach for Michael Santacaterina, Daniel’s brother.

“It is not an easy decision to leave, but it is absolutely the right one,” Santacaterina said. “I am excited and ready for this next chapter in my life.”

Santacaterina will be competing for a starting quarterback role next fall for the Redhawks and will try to help his new team improve from an 3-8 overall record this past year.

The Redhawks finished fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference in 2017 and have not been conference champions since 2010.