Former Notre Dame backup quarterback Gunner Kiel announced his plans to transfer to Cincinnati Wednesday, according to ESPN. Kiel recently visited with Cincinnati, Ball State, Miami University in Ohio and was scheduled to visit Ole Miss this weekend. He was also considering 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 told ESPN 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 was the No.1 overall Pro-style quarterback and the No. 20 nationally ranked player in the country in 2012 according to Rivals. The 5-star prospect was originally committed to Indiana, then-LSU, before deciding on Notre Dame.

Kiel will have to sit out a year due to NCAA rules for transferring players. Kiel can compete for the starting quarterback job in 2014.