Kirk Ferentz names Cade McNamara Iowa's starting quarterback, confirms eligibility vs. Illinois State

Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz has confirmed that Cade McNamara will be the team’s starting quarterback against Illinois State.

Ferentz also confirmed that McNamara will be eligible for the first game of the season. That’s the same game that Ferentz himself will be suspended for over violations related to McNamara’s recruitment to Iowa out of the Transfer Portal.

Along with McNamara being named the starter, Ferentz also said that Brendan Sullivan will be the team’s second-string quarterback and Marco Lainez is going to be the team’s third-string quarterback. This comes after McNamara was pushed throughout the offseason for the starting job.

Cade McNamara came to Iowa as a transfer from Michigan following the 2022 season. He became the team’s starter for 2023 but he was only able to play in five games before an injury ended his season early. When he did play, it was to inconsistent results. For the season, he completed 51.1 percent of passes for 505 yards and four touchdowns.

Marco Lainez is returning to Iowa after playing with the team last season. He saw action in one game last season, the bowl loss to Tennessee. He completed two of seven passes in that game for four yards. Meanwhile, Brendan Sullivan is a transfer to Iowa from Northwestern. He played in eight games last season.

Now back for his sixth season in college football and second season at Iowa, McNamara is looking to help improve the Iowa offense. He’ll do so under a new offensive coordinator too, with Tim Lester replacing Brian Ferentz.

Iowa opens its season with a game against Illinois State, an FCS opponent, on August 31st.

Pete Thamel explains Kirk Ferentz suspension, suggests more NCAA suspensions ahead

College football insider Pete Thamel explained the suspension for Kirk Ferentz as it relates to the recruitment of Cade McNamara.

“It was just kind of run-of-the-mill tampering. I think we’re going to see a few of these as the season heats up here. Look, everyone tampers, and those who get caught – it’s hard to get caught – but they clearly have gotten caught enough to I think where they saw the caliber of opponent in the opener and said, ‘You know what, we’ll fall on the sword here, take the game suspension, and then move on to Big Ten play,'” Thamel said.

“So I know all of your Illinois State fan audience might be offended by that, but that seems to be what happened here.”