In a surprising turn of events, Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz and assistant Jon Budmayr have been suspended for the Hawkeyes' season opener due to a recruiting violation that occurred in late 2022. The school has imposed the penalty as a result of Ferentz's admission to a Level II violation, which involved contacting a player and his family before he entered the transfer portal.

Ferentz, who has been at the helm of the Iowa football program since 1999, expressed remorse for his actions in a statement issued on Thursday. He acknowledged that he failed to abide by the rules he often emphasizes to his players. This violation marks Ferentz's first potential Level II NCAA infraction in his extensive coaching career spanning over four decades.

Although the player involved was not officially named by Iowa, sources close to the situation revealed that it was quarterback Cade McNamara. McNamara transferred from Michigan to Iowa just days after entering the transfer portal. Starting the 2023 season as Iowa's quarterback, McNamara unfortunately sustained a knee injury. He had been vigorously competing for the starting position during the preseason camp.

After a thorough review of the case and consultation with NCAA officials, Ferentz and athletic director Beth Goetz mutually agreed to suspend both Ferentz and Budmayr for one game. Additionally, they will lose one week of off-campus recruiting. The suspension will be effective from 12:01 a.m. on August 31, prior to Iowa's season opener against Illinois State at Kinnick Stadium. However, both coaches will be able to return for the highly anticipated rivalry game against Iowa State on September 7.

For the Illinois State game, co-defensive coordinator Seth Wallace, who was appointed assistant head coach in January, will serve as the interim head coach. Wallace will take charge of the team during Ferentz's absence.

During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Ferentz refrained from providing further details regarding the situation, citing an ongoing NCAA probe. On the other hand, Goetz commended Ferentz's accountability and expressed her appreciation for the self-imposed penalties, allowing the team to move forward without distractions. The university remains committed to fully cooperating with the NCAA throughout the investigative process.

Budmayr, the former Wisconsin quarterback, currently serves as the Hawkeyes' wide receivers coach. He joined Iowa after fulfilling roles as a special assistant to Ferentz in 2023 and an offensive analyst in 2022. Prior to his time at Iowa, Budmayr served as the offensive coordinator at Colorado State in 2021.

As the Iowa football program faces this setback, fans and players anticipate a strong return from Coach Ferentz and Coach Budmayr after their suspension. The Hawkeyes look forward to a successful season filled with renewed focus and determination to strive for excellence on and off the field.