For the first time in 26 years, the Iowa Hawkeyes will have a different head coach to open a season.
That’s because Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz and wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr are indeed set to serve a one-game suspension in the season opener versus Illinois State on Aug. 31 from Kinnick Stadium.
Coach Ferentz and the University of Iowa confirmed that Ferentz and Budmayr will serve a self-imposed one-game suspension due to recruiting violations that occurred in late 2022.
Though graduate quarterback Cade McNamara was not mentioned by name in the UI release, an initial report from The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman said that the recruiting violation took place in the courting on McNamara from Michigan.
Following a thorough review and discussion with NCAA officials, Coach Ferentz and Athletic Director Beth Goetz recommended the self-imposed one-game suspension. Iowa’s self-imposed punishment also includes the loss of one week of off-campus recruiting to begin addressing the matter.
“I frequently tell our players to abide by the rules, and in this instance, I did not. In 26 years as a head coach at Iowa—and more than four decades as a coach—this is my first potential Level II NCAA infraction. I made a mistake and would like to apologize to our players, University leadership, and our Hawkeye football fans. I know Coach Budmayr echoes those sentiments,” Ferentz said in a statement.
Under the NCAA process, a program can self-impose penalties or wait until formal allegations are issued. The University of Iowa chose to self-impose punishments.
Goetz commented on the decision to proceed with the self-imposed punishments.
“Coach Ferentz and I made the decision to self-impose the penalties, allowing the program to move forward without distraction. I appreciate the accountability demonstrated and we will continue to fully cooperate with the NCAA through this process. I have confidence in Coach Ferentz and his leadership, and we look forward to turning our focus to the opening game and exciting season that lies ahead,” Goetz said.
Until the University of Iowa receives formal notification from the NCAA that this matter has been closed, University officials will not be able to comment further.
Coaches Ferentz and Budmayr will participate in all team activities in the days leading up to the game but will step away from all duties for 24 hours beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 31. Both coaches will return to normal duties on Sept. 1 at 12:01 a.m. Assistant head coach Seth Wallace will serve as the acting head coach for the game.
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