Iowa will vacate four wins from the 2023 season due to tampering with quarterback Cade McNamara before he entered the transfer portal.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz and assistant Jon Budmayr had multiple phone calls and sent text messages to McNamara prior to his transfer from Michigan to Iowa.
Ferentz and Budmayr served self-imposed one-game suspensions in 2024 for the violations.
The NCAA imposed additional penalties, including one year of probation, a $25,000 fine, and recruiting restrictions.
The vacated wins include games against Utah State, Iowa State, Western Michigan, and Michigan State.
Why this matters: This ruling impacts Iowa's historical record and raises concerns about recruiting practices in college football. It also highlights the NCAA's commitment to enforcing its tampering rules.
The NCAA investigation centered on contact between Iowa coaches and Cade McNamara before he officially entered the transfer portal in November 2022. Jon Budmayr, then an offensive analyst, initiated contact with McNamara, arranging for a call with head coach Kirk Ferentz. Ferentz assured McNamara he would have a place at Iowa. McNamara transferred to Iowa shortly after.
The NCAA determined this contact violated tampering rules. While Iowa self-imposed penalties, including suspensions for Ferentz and Budmayr, the NCAA deemed it necessary to vacate wins from the 2023 season when McNamara played while ineligible. McNamara played in five games in 2023 (four wins, one loss) before being sidelined by injury. He transferred to East Tennessee State for the 2025 season.
The penalties include: One year of probation, a $25,000 fine, a two-week ban on football recruiting communication during the 2026 calendar year, a reduction in recruiting person days, and the vacation of wins. Ferentz's career record will be adjusted to reflect the vacated wins. Despite the penalties, Iowa expressed disappointment, believing the forfeiture of wins was unwarranted. Ferentz surpassed Woody Hayes' 205 wins last season, but will be adjusted accordingly.
Q: Which games did Iowa have to vacate?
Iowa vacated wins against Utah State, Iowa State, Western Michigan, and Michigan State from the 2023 season.
Q: What other penalties did Iowa receive?
In addition to vacating wins, Iowa received one year of probation, a $25,000 fine, and recruiting restrictions.
Q: When did Ferentz serve his suspension?
Ferentz served a one-game suspension during the 2024 season opener against Illinois State.
The NCAA's ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to recruiting rules. For Iowa fans, this means a change to the team's record books. For those involved in college football, it highlights the potential consequences of tampering. Key actions to take: Stay informed about NCAA regulations and ensure compliance to avoid penalties.
What impact do you think this ruling will have on Iowa's program moving forward? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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