Iowa Coach Suspended for Recruiting Violation

Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz and wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr have been suspended for the Hawkeyes' season opener against Illinois State on August 31 due to a recruiting violation involving transfer quarterback Cade McNamara. The violation, classified as a Level II infraction, occurred in late 2022 when Ferentz contacted McNamara and his family before he officially entered the transfer portal. Ferentz, who has been at the helm of Iowa since 1999, acknowledged his mistake and expressed remorse in a statement, emphasizing the importance of adhering to NCAA rules. The university's decision to impose the suspension was made in collaboration with NCAA officials following a review of the situation. Athletic Director Beth Goetz stated that the self-imposed penalties were intended to allow the program to move forward without distraction. Ferentz, who holds a 196-119 record at Iowa, noted that this is his first potential Level II infraction in over four decades of coaching. He apologized to players, university leadership, and fans for the oversight. McNamara, who transferred from Michigan, had been named Iowa's starting quarterback for the 2023 season but has faced injury challenges. He opened the season as the starter before suffering a knee injury. The competition for the starting position continues between McNamara and Northwestern transfer Brendan Sullivan as the team prepares for the upcoming game. Co-defensive coordinator Seth Wallace will step in as interim head coach during Ferentz's suspension. The ongoing NCAA investigation into the matter remains a point of concern for the program as it seeks to navigate the implications of the violation.