Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz Makes Honest Apology Following One-Game Suspension

Iowa is set to play in its season opener against Illinois State on Aug. 31, barring any unexpected events.

However, the team's coach will not be present.

Iowa announced on Thursday afternoon that veteran Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz will serve a one-game suspension for NCAA recruiting rules violations. During a press conference, Ferentz discussed the suspension, which wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr also received.

"I tell our players, 'We abide by the rules.' In this specific case, I did not do that," Ferentz said. "I made a mistake during the recruiting process. I want to apologize to our players, coaching staff, university leadership and our incredible fans."

According to the university, Ferentz and Budmayr, who engaged in impermissible contact with a player and his family prior to the player's entry into the transfer portal, will begin serving their suspensions at 12:01 a.m. on the day of Iowa's opening game.

"(Assistant head coach) Seth Wallace will be the acting head coach during the day next... Saturday," Ferentz said. "I'm confident he and the entire staff will do a great job."

The Hawkeyes open the season ranked 25th following a 10-4 campaign in 2023.

Related: Kalen DeBoer Gives Blunt Response to Illegal Recruitment Allegations