Wisconsin primary Big Ten rival names starting quarterback for 2024 season

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz named Cade McNamara the Hawkeyes’ starting quarterback for the 2024 season on Thursday.

While fans may view this as an expected announcement, McNamara’s nomination is notable considering the recent report surrounding the university’s potential quarterback battle.

Entering his sixth season of collegiate eligibility, McNamara was fending off Northwestern transfer Brendan Sullivan for the starting job during Iowa’s offseason training camp.

McNamara struggled mightily during an open practice on Aug. 10. The former Michigan Wolverine went 7/21 through the air for 20 yards, one interception, one sack and one fumbled snap in that practice.

What’s more, The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman recently reported Iowa head coach Ferentz and WRs coach Jon Budmayr will receive one-game suspensions due to a recruiting violation. That suspension revolves around Iowa’s recruiting efforts to snag McNamara following his decision to transfer from Ann Arbor following the 2022 season.

So, given the buzz surrounding the program, a decision many would consider ordinary has transformed into a notable storyline.

McNamara missed most of 2023 with a torn ACL but completed 46-of-90 passes for 505 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions before his season-ending injury. He did captain Michigan to the College Football Playoff in 2021, but ailments have kept him off the field since that point.

Iowa’s offense averaged an abysmal 15.4 points and 234.6 yards per contest in 2023, ranking No. 132 and No. 133 in the country, respectively. If McNamara can remain healthy, those numbers should increase with the presence of new offensive coordinator Tim Lester.

The Badgers will square off against McNamara and the Hawkeyes in Iowa on Nov. 2.