ESPN College Football

Iowa junior quarterback Jake Christensen has decided to transfer from the school, his father told ESPN.com on Saturday.

Christensen, who started every game in 2007 and two games this season before losing his job to Ricky Stanzi, was granted an unconditional release by coach Kirk Ferentz.

A fourth-year junior who appeared in eight games this season, Christensen is considering transferring to both FBS and FCS programs.

"It's wide open right now," said Christensen's father, Jeff, a former quarterback with the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. "We're just going to go out and talk with everybody and see what's out there.

"Four [schools] have come back and said, 'Absolutely, we want him.' "

Christensen threw for 2,269 yards, 17 touchdowns and six interceptions as the starter in 2007, when Iowa finished 6-6 and missed a bowl game. Despite limiting turnovers, he took flak for a 53.5 percent completion percentage.

Iowa ranked last in the Big Ten in both scoring and total offense in 2007, but the unit dealt with several key injuries and poor offensive line play. The Hawkeyes allowed 46 sacks, which ranked 114th nationally.

Ferentz opened up the competition at quarterback during the preseason but reiterated that Christensen was his top option. Christensen and Stanzi platooned during the Hawkeyes' first four games before Stanzi took over for good in Week 5 against Northwestern.

Jeff Christensen said Ferentz has been fully cooperative with his son's decision.

"I think Kirk truly feels bad that it didn't go Jake's way," Jeff Christensen said. "He told me the way [Jake] handled this is amazing. I think Kirk wanted it to be Jake, and [offensive coordinator Ken] O'Keefe didn't, and that's just how it went. Kirk really for the right reasons cares about Jake. He said anybody that thinks that [Jake] can't go and play somewhere else is quite frankly crazy.

"He said he's willing to make all of the introduction phone calls with every coach in the country."

Christensen took heavy criticism after the 2007 season and was booed by Iowa fans at Kinnick Stadium following his first incomplete pass against Florida International on Sept. 6. He did not speak with reporters during the final months of the season.

Jeff Christensen said the decision to transfer has brought mixed emotions for his son.

"I'm sure he's gone through every emotion there is to go through," Jeff Christensen said. "Anger, sadness, humiliation, frustration. ... He's got a lot of upside, and he can get into a place where they need him and want him. After what he endured in 2007, taking 46 sacks, as his dad, I just want to see him with a smile back on his face and treated like he needs to be treated."

Adam Rittenberg covers Big Ten football for ESPN.com.