Kirk Ferentz gives explanation for Kaleb Brown's absence last week

In Week 7, the Iowa Hawkeyes have a huge Big Ten West showdown with the Wisconsin Badgers. This matchup features two programs with one loss on the year and will be critical in determining who will represent the West division in the Big Ten championship game. 

In Iowa’s previous matchup, a 20-14 victory over Purdue, wide receiver Kaleb Brown was missing in action. The sophomore from Chicago, IL, was completely removed from the Hawkeyes depth chart against the Boilermakers. And as Iowa prepares for its colossal showdown with Wisconsin, their head coach Kirk Ferentz provided an update on Brown’s whereabouts. 

“Yes, it was a personal matter,” said Ferentz when asked if Brown would be available for this week. “He’s back at practice yesterday and has had two good days.” 

As to whether or not Brown’s absence was disciplinary in nature, Ferentz doubled down on his stance, keeping his answer short and sweet. 

“No, I would say it’s a personal matter.” 

Ferentz provides update on Noah Shannon’s eligibility

Iowa could have major Noah Shannon news on the horizon thanks to some recent NCAA proposals that could take effect regarding sports gambling and the subsequent punishments for players caught betting against NCAA rules.

Coach Kirk Ferentz revealed Tuesday that the NCAA has cleared the influential defensive tackle practice.

“Some recent developments that I’ll share, Noah Shannon has been cleared to practice,” Ferentz said. “I don’t know what we’ll learn or when we’ll learn his status moving forward. But at least we have him on the field now. He’s back on the roster and able to be part of the team as a football player instead of a guy helping out a little bit. So that’s positive, and we’ll keep our fingers crossed as we move forward.”

Shannon was initially suspended for the 2023 season on Aug. 23, as a result of an investigation connecting Shannon to a string of betting that was against NCAA rules. Twenty-six athletes across multiple teams — football, men’s basketball, baseball, men’s track and field, and wrestling — were caught up in the probe.

The Iowa defensive tackle appealed the NCAA’s ruling but was denied on Sept. 12.

However, recent proposals to change the punishments for betting that is against NCAA rules have changed the equation, particularly because the NCAA has said any enforcement would be retroactive.

That could clear the way for Shannon to return to Iowa right as the team readies to make a push toward the Big Ten Championship Game.