Tag: Iowa Hawkeyes

Oct 12, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara (12) throws a pass against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Iowa QB Cade McNamara slams ‘ridiculous’ rumors

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara released a statement Friday slamming the “100% false” media reports that suggested he had thrown his final pass for the Hawkeyes.

McNamara has been sidelined since sustaining a concussion during the Oct. 26 win against Northwestern.

Backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan has started the last two games for the Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) but is out with an ankle injury for Saturday’s game at Maryland (4-6, 1-6).

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said earlier this week that Jackson Stratton will be the likely starter against the Terrapins if McNamara is unavailable.

McNamara’s cloudy status prompted speculation on a podcast this week that he was “not mentally ready to play.” The podcast hosts from the Des Moines Register and The Athletic also suggested that McNamara — who played three years at Michigan (2020-22) before transferring to Iowa — is not “fit to play quarterback in the Big Ten right now.”

“We don’t want to bury his career yet, but it does seem like that interception against Northwestern was his last snap as a Hawkeye,” Leistikow said.

McNamara, who passed for 1,017 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games this season, released a statement updating his current status.

“My status is the same as it’s always been — a proud member of this football team,” he said.

McNamara said he has not yet been cleared to play. He said he was cleared to practice on Sunday but suffered an “adverse reaction” and was unable to practice this week and therefore unable to travel with the team to Maryland.

“I have been working with the University of Iowa doctors and trainers, a concussion specialist focused on vision training, as well as engaging in hyperbaric treatments as frequently as possible,” McNamara said. “I have every intention to play versus Nebraska next Friday night and I am confident that my teammates will return from Maryland with a win.”

Including his time with the Wolverines, McNamara has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 4,703 yards with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 34 games.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. The victory would the 200th of Ferentz’s Big Ten career. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Iowa keeps mystery at quarterback ahead of clash vs. Maryland

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Iowa moves on without injured quarterback Brendan Sullivan when the Hawkeyes visit Maryland for a Big Ten Conference contest on Saturday afternoon.

Coach Kirk Ferentz declined to name either former starter Cade McNamara or former fourth-stringer Jackson Stratton as Sullivan’s replacement when asked who would run the offense for Iowa (6-4, 4-3) in College Park, Md.

“Everything’s clearly cloudy right now,” Ferentz said on Tuesday. “That’s our weather forecast.”

McNamara, who hasn’t played since suffering a concussion in a win over Northwestern on Oct. 26, has been cleared by doctors and is listed first on the depth chart.

“Whether he can play effectively or not, we’ll see. We’ll just see how the week goes,” Ferentz said of McNamara.

Iowa had been on an upswing with Sullivan, who had sparked the Hawkeyes to convincing wins over Northwestern and Wisconsin before suffering an ankle injury in a 20-17 loss at UCLA on Nov. 8. Ferentz said it’s possible Sullivan could return for a bowl game.

Another storyline for Saturday is that Ferentz will be opposing his son, Brian Ferentz, an assistant at Maryland. Brian Ferentz was Iowa’s offensive coordinator from 2017-23.

“We’ve all got business to take care of on Saturday,” Kirk Ferentz said. “I think his experience has been good and everything I know about it. As a parent, I’m glad he’s with good people.”

Maryland (4-6, 1-6) needs a win to keep its hopes alive for a fourth straight bowl appearance under Mike Locksley.

The Terrapins have dropped five of their last six games, all by at least 14 points, including a 31-17 loss at home to Rutgers last weekend.

“It’s been a challenging last few weeks to say the least,” Locksley said.

The challenge this week will be to stop Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, who leads the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,328) and touchdowns (20), averaging 7.1 yards per carry.

“With running backs, it’s not always about speed. It’s about power, vision and the ability to make something out of nothing,” Locksley said. “This guy is a load and runs behind his pads.”

Maryland answers with quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who leads the Big Ten in passing yards per game (285.5) and completions (268). His top target is Tai Felton, who leads the conference in catches (86) and receiving yards (1,040).

–Field Level Media

Michigan State's Montorie Foster Jr., left, celebrates his touchdown catch against Iowa during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State ends losing streak in Iowa win

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Jonathan Kim set a program record with six field goals to lift Michigan State to a 32-20 home win over Iowa in a Big Ten contest on Saturday.

Michigan State (4-3, 2-2) snapped a three-game losing streak, in the process collecting 468 yards of total offense, 212 rushing yards, 27 first downs and not punting once.

Iowa (4-3, 2-2) trailed 25-14 in the fourth quarter, but cut its deficit to 25-20 with 7:22 remaining in the game on a 75-yard touchdown run by Kaleb Johnson. The 2-point conversion failed.

Michigan State answered, taking a 32-20 lead with 2:03 remaining on a 1-yard touchdown run by Nathan Carter that finished off a 9-play, 75-yard drive.

Michigan State held a 19-7 lead in the third quarter, but Iowa made it 19-14 with 49 seconds remaining in the third on a 2-yard touchdown run by Brendan Sullivan.

Kim then delivered his fifth field goal of the game, this time from 55 yards out, to give Michigan State a 22-14 lead with 11:52 remaining.

Following an interception by Michigan State’s Nikai Martinez, the Spartans took over on the Iowa 25-yard line and eventually settled for a 46-yard field goal by Kim with 7:34 remaining to take a 25-14 lead.

Trailing 12-0 at halftime, Iowa drove 58 yards in eight plays and cut its deficit to 12-7 on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Cade McNamara to Reece Vander Zee with 9:52 left in the third quarter.

The Spartans answered with a touchdown drive of their own, going 75 yards in nine plays and taking a 19-7 lead on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Aidan Chiles to Montorie Foster.

Michigan State took a 12-0 lead at halftime on the strength of four field goals in the first half from Kim.

Kim connected on field goals of 42 and 43 yards in the first quarter to give the Spartans a 6-0 lead, then added field goals of 36 and 29 yards in the second quarter to put Michigan State ahead 12-0.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) catches a touchdown pass as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Deshaun Lee (8) defends during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Kaleb Johnson (3 TDs), Iowa run over Washington 40-16

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Kaleb Johnson rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns and added a TD reception as Iowa trounced Washington 40-16 in a Big Ten Conference game Saturday afternoon in Iowa City, Iowa.

Coach Kirk Ferentz earned his 200th career conference victory, second only to Ohio State legend Woody Hayes (205), for the Hawkeyes (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten).

Johnson, who entered the game second in the nation with 154.2 yards rushing per game, scored on runs of 6 and 8 yards and on an 18-yard pass from Cade McNamara. Drew Stevens kicked four field goals for the Hawkeyes.

McNamara also threw a 33-yard scoring strike to Dayton Howard early in the fourth quarter.

The Hawkeyes won despite being outgained 393-328 and with the Huskies holding the ball for 34:59. Washington had a 17-play drive and two 14-play drives.

Will Rogers III completed 22 of 34 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown for the Huskies (4-3, 2-2) but turned over the ball twice on an interception and a fumble. Jonah Coleman rushed nine times for 80 yards.

Huskies backup quarterback Demond Williams Jr. threw a 2-yard TD pass to Rashid Williams late in the fourth to complete the scoring.

The Hawkeyes led 7-0 after the first quarter and 20-10 at the half.

The Hawkeyes opened the scoring on Johnson’s 6-yard run with 1:33 left in the first.

The Huskies responded as Rogers threw a 5-yard TD pass to Denzel Boston to tie the score.

Rogers fumbled while being sacked by Aaron Graves and Max Llewellyn recovered at the Huskies’ 19-yard line. That led to Stevens’ 37-yard field goal to make it 10-7.

After forcing a three-and-out, the Hawkeyes extended their advantage on an 18-yard pass from McNamara to Johnson.

Grady Gross connected on a 29-yard field goal to pull Washington within 17-10 with 29 seconds left in the second quarter.

Johnson broke free on a 53-yard run on the Hawkeyes’ next play from scrimmage, setting up a 46-yard field goal by Stevens on the last play of the half.

The Huskies drove to Iowa’s 23-yard line on their opening possession of the third quarter before defensive back Jermari Harris intercepted a Rogers pass.

Iowa drove to the Washington 1 and had first-and-goal but was stuffed on three plays and settled for Stevens’ 25-yard field goal.

Johnson scored on an 8-yard run on the opening play of the fourth quarter as the Hawkeyes extended their lead to 30-10.

–Field Level Media

Sep 7, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs for a 27 yard touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Iowa star Kaleb Johnson to test Minnesota’s stingy defense

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Offense and Iowa haven’t exactly gone together like peanut butter and jelly in recent years.

But the Hawkeyes can boast of an NCAA leader in a pretty important category ahead of their Big Ten Conference opener Saturday night against Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Kaleb Johnson enters the weekend as the top rusher in FBS with 479 yards through three games. Last week, he rolled up 173 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries in a come-from-behind 38-21 home win over Troy.

The first Iowa running back to rush for more than 100 yards in three straight games since 2015, Johnson says that he’s become a more refined runner in his third season with the Hawkeyes (2-1).

“My first two years here, I was so used to just using my speed on people because that’s how it was in high school,” he said. “Now, just me knowing that people are faster than me, it kind of hurt a little bit, because I’m used to just outrunning everybody.

“Now, it’s just me knowing that and me putting my strength, using my strength and putting my feet and my head down and just going.”

Johnson faces a stiff test on the road this week.

The Golden Gophers (2-1) have logged consecutive shutouts since a season-opening, two-point loss to North Carolina. Last week, they eased past Nevada 27-0, limiting the Wolf Pack to 10 first downs and 172 total yards.

Like the Hawkeyes, Minnesota enjoyed a big game from a running back with three touchdowns and 161 yards from scrimmage last week by Darius Taylor.

But the Gophers’ strength is their defense, under new coordinator Corey Hetherman, which has permitted only one touchdown.

“He’s brought a new energy, new attitude to this team,” said linebacker Maverick Baranowski. “We played hard last year, but this year we are really clicking. It helps we’re a lot older and more mature.”

This will be the 118th meeting of the longtime rivals, who play for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy. The Gophers own a 63-52-2 lead in the series, winning last year 12-10 in Iowa City.

–Field Level Media

Iowa’s Max White (22) runs the ball against Illinois State Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

No. 21 Iowa aims to continue mastery over rival Iowa St.

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No. 21 Iowa attempts to beat visiting Iowa State for the eighth time in nine meetings when the teams clash Saturday in the Cy-Hawk rivalry at Iowa City, Iowa.

The Cyclones’ lone victory during the stretch came in their last visit to Iowa City when they prevailed 10-7 early in the 2022 season.

Both Iowa (1-0) and Iowa State (1-0) won season openers against FCS programs. This week, the stakes are much higher in a sport where conference realignment has diminished the number of true rivalry games.

“Rivalries, in-state rivalries and neighboring rivalries make college football really special,” Cyclones coach Matt Campbell said. “I still believe those things are major factors in high-level college athletics.

“I think people want to watch a rival football game and great games. I think that’s what this game has certainly stood for over the test of time. And I think that’s what makes this game really special.”

Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara was a high school star in Reno, Nev., and began his college career at Michigan. He transferred to Iowa following the 2022 season and is catching on to the significance of the Cy-Hawk game.

“The more I’m in Iowa, I just realized how important this game is for the state,” McNamara said. “They’re a really good program. They have a lot of good players and it’s a veteran group. And I think overall every single time these two teams meet, it’s going to be a battle.”

Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz will be back on the sidelines after missing the opening 40-0 win over Illinois State due to an NCAA suspension for a recruiting violation. The penalty was because the Hawkeyes contacted McNamara prior to him entering the transfer portal.

Ferentz watched the game from home and said the view from the couch is better than what you see on the sideline.

“It’s really different,” Ferentz said. “You can see better. That’s one thing. I had a nice surface to write on, which was the second thing. So I guess those are two upgrades.

“But outside of that, there wasn’t much good about it. It’s sterile, and you’re pretty much helpless.”

Assistant head coach Seth Wallace ran the team against the Redbirds. Iowa struggled in the first half before scoring 34 second-half points.

McNamara was superb in the second half when he completed 13 of 14 passes for 177 yards and three scores. Overall, he was 21-of-31 passing for 251 yards in his first appearance since tearing the ACL in his left knee against Michigan State on Sept. 30, 2023.

“Hopefully with each day, practice or game, experience, he’s going to keep getting more confidence in himself,” Ferentz said of McNamara. “He’s moving around, he’s throwing the ball, and just looks a lot more relaxed out there.”

As for Iowa State, star quarterback Rocco Becht passed for 267 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for a score to lead his team to a 21-3 victory over North Dakota. Star wideout Jaylin Noel caught eight passes for 135 yards and one touchdown.

Becht threw a costly interception in last season’s 20-13 home loss to Iowa. The second-quarter throw was returned 30 yards for a touchdown by Sebastian Castro and gave the Hawkeyes a 17-0 lead.

“Last year, take away that pick-six and we’re in the game,” Becht recalled. “This year, I’m focusing on taking care of the ball. That’s my biggest priority.”

Iowa State linebacker Caleb Bacon is out indefinitely after sustaining a lower-leg injury against North Dakota and subsequently undergoing surgery.

–Field Level Media

Aug 31, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara (12) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Illinois State Redbirds at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

No. 25 Iowa awakens at halftime, opens with 40-zip shutout of Illinois State

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Cade McNamara threw three touchdown passes in a 34-point second half and No. 25 Iowa overcame a slow start to post a 40-0 victory over Illinois State in the season opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon at Iowa City, Iowa.

Reece Vander Zee caught two scoring passes in his college debut and Jacob Gill had a touchdown reception for the Hawkeyes. Kaleb Johnson rushed for 119 yards on 11 carries with touchdown runs of 64 and 18 yards.

McNamara completed 13 of 14 passes for 177 yards and the three scores in the second half. Overall, he was 21-of-31 passing for 251 yards in his first appearance since tearing the ACL in his left knee against Michigan State on Sept. 30, 2023.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz missed the game as he served a one-game suspension for an NCAA violation. The Hawkeyes were penalized for contacting McNamara prior to the quarterback entering the transfer portal. McNamara played at Michigan from 2020-22.

Assistant head coach Seth Wallace served as Iowa’s interim coach.

The game marked the first occasion that somebody other than College Football Hall of Famer Hayden Fry or Ferentz coached the Hawkeyes since Nov. 25, 1978 at Michigan State.

Tommy Rittenhouse completed 10 of 20 passes for 119 yards and one interception for FCS program Illinois State. The Redbirds were outgained 492 total yards to 189.

Aaron Graves recorded three sacks for the Hawkeyes, who had four total sacks and forced three turnovers.

Iowa managed just two field goals from Drew Stevens (41 and 28 yards) as it led 6-0 at halftime.

The second half was a different story. McNamara guided the Hawkeyes on a seven-play, 75-yard drive to start the third quarter. The drive was capped by McNamara’s 7-yard toss to Vander Zee. A two-point conversion pass failed.

Iowa increased the lead to 19-0 when McNamara tossed a 31-yard scoring pass to Gill with 7:46 left in the period.

Vander Zee caught a 19-yard touchdown from McNamara on the first play of the fourth quarter. Johnson scored the next two touchdowns, the first being a 64-yard burst up the middle with 11:09 left in the game. Johnson tacked on an 18-yard TD run with 5:48 to play.

–Field Level Media

Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) catches a punt at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, October 21, 2023 in Iowa City. DeJean returned the punt for a touchdown and it was later called back after review ruled he fair-caught the punt.

Report: Iowa DB Cooper DeJean’s leg injury to limit combine participation

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean will not participate in testing and position drills at the NFL Scouting Combine next week, The Athletic reported on Thursday.

DeJean continues to recover from a season-ending lower left leg injury suffered in practice on Nov. 15. He is ranked No. 22 overall by Field Level Media entering the 2024 draft. He played cornerback and returned kicks for the Hawkeyes but is viewed by some teams as a safety prospect.

A consensus All-American in 2023, DeJean started the first 10 games of the season for Iowa. He had three career interception returns for touchdowns. He did not allow a touchdown in coverage last season.

DeJean’s individual workout could take place next month if he’s deemed medically ready for testing. When he does run the 40 and conduct other on-field tests, DeJean is expected to show elite explosiveness and acceleration scouts have seen at previous testing days in Iowa City along with his on-field play.

Iowa’s pro day is scheduled for March 20, just over one month before the 2024 draft.

DeJean turned 21 last month and is part of a strong cornerback class with the potential to be used as a hybrid defensive back similar to the role of Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton and Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) blocks Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) during the first half in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Former Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor transfer home to Iowa

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Former Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor announced Saturday that he is transferring to his home-state Iowa Hawkeyes.

The 6-foot-7, 360-pound Proctor started all 14 games at left tackle for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman in 2023. He was selected to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman first team by the league’s coaches.

Proctor, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, starred at Southeast Polk High, where he was a five-star recruit and the No. 9 player in the country.

He was top-ranked in Iowa and No. 1 at his position, per the 247Sports Composite. He initially committed to Iowa before flipping just before the early signing period in December to Alabama, where he enrolled early in January 2023.

Following the retirement of Alabama’s Nick Saban and hiring of new head coach Kalen DeBoer, Proctor entered the transfer portal Jan. 17 and was ranked by 247Sports as the top offensive tackle and No. 2 player available in the portal.

His exit follows former Tide freshman safety Caleb Downs, who led the team with 107 tackles last season in earning All-SEC and national freshman of the year honors. Downs decided to join Ohio State.

Another safety, Jake Pope, transferred back to his home state of Georgia after playing 11 games on special teams at Alabama in 2023.

Linebacker Shawn Murphy became the fifth Crimson Tide transfer to commit to Florida State on Monday. Cornerback Earl Little Jr. and running back Roydell Williams also joined the Seminoles from Alabama.

–Field Level Media