The NCAA has ordered Iowa to vacate four victories from its 2023 football season following violations related to early contact with quarterback Cade McNamara. The ruling centers on improper communication between Coach Kirk Ferentz, assistant Jon Budmayr, and McNamara before he officially entered the transfer portal from Michigan.

Ferentz and Budmayr exchanged numerous calls and texts with McNamara well before the permitted window, leading to the NCAA declaring McNamara ineligible for the four wins achieved while he was under duress. Those vacated contests include victories over Iowa State and Michigan State, meaning Iowa’s official 2023 record takes a substantial hit.

School leadership expressed strong disappointment, arguing that the forfeiture penalty was unwarranted given the university had already self-imposed sanctions, including a one-game suspension for Ferentz to start the 2024 campaign. McNamara started 5 games for the Hawkeyes before his season-ending knee injury.

Despite the ruling, Iowa officials affirmed commitment to closing the book on the matter, focusing institutional energy entirely on the upcoming season. The vacated wins, achieved during McNamara’s short tenure, now officially do not count for the program.