Kirk Ferentz explains where Cade McNamara stands in injury recovery

Hopes were high when former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara transferred to Iowa last offseason, serving as a beacon of hope to help a struggling Hawkeyes’ offense. But those hopes were crushed when McNamara went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 5 last season.

McNamara returns this season as he continues to put the finishing touches on his rehab and recovery after tearing his ACL. And following Iowa spring practice, head coach Kirk Ferentz provided an update on his presumed starting quarterback.

“I think he’s doing really well, he’s throwing the ball well,” Ferentz said. “He can’t drop back, roll out, all that stuff but he’s throwing the ball well.”

McNamara could be seen in a jersey, helmet, and knee brace throwing passes during spring practice, but is still not fully cleared to be a full-time participant. But regardless, with new offensive coordinator Tim Lester now calling the plays for Iowa’s offense, there’s plenty for McNamara to learn.

“I think he’s been into it 100%,” Ferentz added. “Maybe in some ways it’s easier for him because he’s not practicing so he can just process things mentally, doesn’t have to worry about the physical aspect as much. But he’s an eager guy, most quarterbacks I’ve been around that are good quarterbacks can’t wait to learn something and that certainly seems to be his mode of operation. So he’s done a good job and it’ll be really important when he is able to go, which should be in June.

Deacon Hill took over the reins of Iowa’s offense last season following McNamara’s injury. But with Hill entering the transfer portal following spring practices, there’s no question that McNamara will have to hit the ground running when he is fully cleared in June.

“Then he can start implementing some of the stuff that he’s been exposed to and certainly August is going to be a really big month for him. But I think if there’s a silver lining, my experience is at least guys that have played, it’s a little bit easier for them when they get started again. It comes back quicker than a guy who hasn’t played,” Ferentz explained. “Every situation has its own challenges but we’re optimistic he’ll be ready to go should be able to catch up pretty quickly once we get going.”

Despite coming off of an injury and learning a new offense, McNamara will enter the 2024 season with 21 starts under his belt. Experience he can hopefully lean on as he looks to come back stronger than ever and lead Iowa’s offense to heights they haven’t seen in quite some time.