Iowa's Kirk Ferentz suspended for season-opening game over violations related to Cade McNamara recruitment

In addition, wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr will also be serving a suspension for the violations

By David Cobb Aug 22, 2024 at 3:00 pm ET• 2 min read

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz will serve a university-imposed, one-game suspension for the Hawkeyes' season opener on Saturday, Aug. 31 vs. Illinois State for breaking NCAA rules by contacting a player before he was in the transfer portal, the school announced Thursday. The suspension is related to the recruitment of quarterback Cade McNamara, according to 247Sports.

Wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr is also suspended for the opener for the same reason. Assistant head coach and longtime Iowa staff member Seth Wallace will serve as the Hawkeyes' acting head coach against Illinois State.

"I frequently tell our players to abide by the rules, and in this instance, I did not," Ferentz said. "In 26 years as a head coach at Iowa — and more than four decades as a coach — this is my first potential Level II NCAA infraction. I made a mistake and would like to apologize to our players, university leadership, and our Hawkeye football fans. I know Coach Budmayr echoes those sentiments."

Ferentz, 69, is entering his 26th season leading the Iowa football program as the longest-tenured coach in college football. He's compiled a 196-119 record, and the Hawkeyes are coming off a 2023 season in which they won the Big Ten West before losing to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game.