An NCAA investigation has uncovered tampering violations in the Iowa football program, leading to some pretty severe penalties. Wins have been vacated, and the program faces a year of probation.
The violations stem from improper contact with Cade McNamara, who transferred from Michigan to Iowa. Let’s get into what happened, what the NCAA decided, and how Iowa’s leaders are reacting.
Summary of the Investigation and Violations
The NCAA focused on claims that Iowa’s coaching staff tampered while recruiting McNamara, who was still with Michigan at the time. In November 2022, Jon Budmayr, then Iowa’s offensive analyst, made 13 phone calls to McNamara and his father and sent two texts.
Details of the Communication
Budmayr also set up a call between Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and McNamara. Ferentz told McNamara he’d have a spot on the team.
After these conversations, McNamara entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and soon after joined Iowa.
Penalties Imposed by the NCAA
The NCAA hit Iowa football with several penalties, including:
- One year of probation
- A $25,000 fine (self-imposed by the school)
- A two-week ban on all football recruiting communication during the 2026 calendar year (self-imposed by the school)
- A 24-day reduction in recruiting person days, including two weeks when Ferentz can’t recruit off-campus in 2025 and four days when Budmayr is barred from recruiting during the 2025 spring evaluation period (self-imposed by the school)
- Vacating all records in which McNamara competed while ineligible
- A one-game suspension for Ferentz and Budmayr during the 2024 season (self-imposed by the school)
Impact on the 2023 Season
The program also has to vacate four wins from the 2023 season, since McNamara played in those games while ineligible. The games were against Utah State, Iowa State, Western Michigan, and Michigan State.
McNamara played in five games that season—four wins, one loss—before an injury took him out in late September.
Reactions from University of Iowa Leadership
Iowa’s leaders didn’t hide their frustration with the NCAA’s ruling. Head coach Kirk Ferentz said the program had been open about the mistake and had already tried to make things right.
He felt the punishment—specifically vacating four wins—was much harsher than the violation deserved.
Statements from Kirk Ferentz
*I am disappointed by the NCAA’s decision today. Throughout the process, our program has been open and honest about my mistake – contacting a potential player in the hours before it was permissible by NCAA rules.*
*I felt it was important to make amends for the issue, which is why I voluntarily served a one-game suspension to start the 2023 season. I believe today’s decision by the NCAA vacating four wins in our 2023 season is overly harsh and inconsistent with the violation.*
*As I tell our team and staff, it is how you respond and move forward that defines you. Our focus is on the 2026 season and that is how we are moving forward.*
Statements from University Leadership
University President Barb Wilson and Athletics Director Beth Goetz echoed Ferentz’s disappointment in a joint statement. They stressed that Iowa had fully cooperated with the NCAA and accepted responsibility for what happened.
They argued that forfeiting wins was unnecessary and said they’re moving on.
*We are very disappointed in today’s ruling by the Committee on Infractions. Throughout this nearly two-and-a-half-year process, the University has fully cooperated with the NCAA enforcement staff.*
*More importantly, when the facts revealed that violations had taken place, the institution and the head coach publicly accepted full responsibility and self-imposed several significant sanctions, something few others have done. We believe the decision of adding the penalty of the forfeiture of wins is unwarranted. The matter is now closed, and we have moved forward.*
Looking Ahead
The Iowa football program is shifting its focus to what’s next. The 2026 season opener against Northern Illinois is set for September 5.
Even after recent setbacks, they’re determined to keep moving forward. The goal? Keep building a solid team and stay competitive.
Those penalties—they’re a pretty stark reminder: stick to NCAA rules, or face the music. It’s tough, but that’s just how it goes.
Curious about the full story? You can check out the details and the official report on KCCI’s website.
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