Kirk Ferentz believes Cade McNamara will return for 2024 season
When Cade McNamara transferred to Iowa from Michigan, everyone thought he could help improve a struggling offense. Unfortunately, five games into the regular season, his season is done after tearing his ACL. The injury occurred during Saturday’s win against Michigan State, coming in a noncontact scenario.
We have not seen the last of McNamara in an Iowa uniform according to head coach Kirk Ferentz. He said the plan is for the quarterback to come back for the 2024 season. Huge news for the future of the program, even with the injury.
“I think his intention is to come back and play next year again,” Ferentz said. “So, that will be great.”
Originally a Michigan player, he was part of the Wolverines’ two College Football Playoff runs. JJ McCarthy wound up winning the starting job full-time, leading McNamara to transfer out of the program. He did change sides of the Big Ten, moving over to the West.
McNamara had thrown for 505 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions during Iowa’s first five games of the season. A lot has been made of the Hawkeyes offense, especially with OC Brian Ferentz being under the spotlight. Deacon Hill will now be the quarterback running the race to 325 points.
Cade McNamara dealing with injuries throughout early portion of 2023 season
Kirk Ferentz maybe revealed why there were some struggles, saying McNamara was dealing with other injuries before the ACL tear. If there is a silver lining being provided by the head coach, it’s that McNamara will have the opportunity to rest and get back to 100% health ahead of his return next fall.
“It will be sometime next week,” Ferentz said. “They normally let those things settle down a little bit. If there is good news, it’s a clean injury. Sometimes, it can be a little bit messy. But it’s clean so that’s good. He’s been fighting some other stuff too. So, maybe this will give him a chance to get totally healthy again.”
The final note provided by Ferentz was on the surgery. A procedure has not taken place yet but should in the coming weeks. Once the operation is performed, the road to recovery will get going.
“It’s a long road in front of him but it’s a lot better than it was 30 years ago, that’s for sure,” Ferentz said. “A lot more predictable and he’s got a great attitude. He’ll work really hard at it.”