Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and one of his assistant coaches will both serve a suspension for the No. 25 Hawkeyes’ season opener against Illinois State on August 31. The suspension comes as a result of a violation during the recruitment of quarterback Cade McNamara. The details of the violation were first reported by The Athletic, although Iowa football spokesman Matt Weitzel refrained from confirming or denying the report, according to multiple media outlets. It remains unclear whether the NCAA or the university itself handed down the suspensions.
Ferentz, who is entering his 26th season with Iowa, boasts an impressive record with 196 wins, ranking him third all-time among Big Ten coaches. Under his leadership, the Hawkeyes have achieved three 10-win seasons in the last five years and made an appearance in the Big Ten championship game last season.
McNamara, who previously started 16 out of 21 games for Michigan, transferred to Iowa ahead of the 2023 season. After starting the first five games, his season was cut short by a knee injury. This year, he is in competition with Northwestern transfer Brendan Sullivan for the starting quarterback position.
Ferentz is expected to address the media later on Thursday.
Assistant coach and Kirk Ferentz suspended for No. 25 Iowa’s first game due to recruiting violation, according to reports
