Kirk Ferentz calls Kadyn Proctor saga 'unfortunate' in statement released to ESPN

Following the whirlwind news of the day that offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor plans to re-enter the NCAA transfer portal to re-enroll at Alabama after a very short stint at Iowa, Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz has commented on the news.

Ferentz provided a statement to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.

“It is unfortunate that Kadyn has informed us of his intentions to leave our program today,” Ferentz said. “We wish him well in the future.”

Due to a recent court ruling, too, the NCAA will allow multi-time transfers to play immediately next year without securing a waiver, which would be the normal course of action required. Meaning Proctor can play at Alabama again next fall.

Proctor confirmed his plan to enter the NCAA transfer portal, which opens on April 16, to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. He also confirmed he plans to transfer back to Alabama, with enrollment for summer classes opening on March 25.

The talented offensive lineman played for Alabama as a true freshman in 2023, though he experienced some growing pains.

Proctor is a former Five-Star Plus+ prospect, and he was the top-ranked offensive tackle in the 2023 recruiting class. Originally, he passed on Iowa during his recruitment, flipping his commitment from the Hawkeyes to Alabama a day before signing day in December 2022, before choosing to return to the Hawkeyes.

Moreover, Proctor, in starting 13 games at left tackle as a true freshman, earned All-SEC Freshman Team honors. He picked up SEC Freshman of the Week recognition for his play at Auburn and was named to On3’s Freshmen All-American team.

Proctor’s multi-leg transfer process hasn’t been without scrutiny, though.

Kadyn Proctor was also at the center of a potential tampering case with his transfer

Iowa was working to self-report a Level III violation regarding impermissible contact with Proctor, The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman reported in early February. An assistant coach allegedly sent a text to Proctor while he was at Alabama after a tough game.

After he committed to Iowa, Proctor said the Hawkeyes “hit him up” while he struggled during SEC play, which led to tampering allegations. According to Dochterman, that came via a text message from an Iowa assistant encouraging him to “hang in there” during the season.

A Level III violation is considered very minor of the three levels, with Level I as the most severe. That means the punishment likely won’t be more than “further education for the staffer and admonishment,” Dochterman said, citing precedent.

Proctor said his relationship with the Iowa staff was a big part of his decision, saying they maintained a connection with him even though he decided to attend Alabama.

“No bridges were burned,” Proctor said. “So, that’s why it was so easy for me to pick them when I did enter the transfer portal because we still have those relationships. Even after I was doing bad in the SEC and struggling, they hit me up and said ‘We’re proud of you, you’re going to get through this.’ That’s ultimately what helped me with my decision. They still believed in me.”

On3’s Andrew Graham also contributed to this report.