The Iowa Hawkeyes announced on Tuesday that quarterback Cade McNamara will miss Saturday’s game against Wisconsin due to a concussion, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg. McNamara, who transferred from Michigan before the 2023 season, has faced challenges as the senior quarterback. Last season, he completed just 51.1% of his passes, throwing four touchdowns and three interceptions. This year, his completion rate has improved to 60.5%, but he has thrown six touchdowns and been intercepted five times. With McNamara out, junior transfer Brendan Sullivan from Northwestern is expected to start. In Iowa’s Week 9 victory over his former team, Sullivan played briefly, passing for 79 yards and rushing for 41 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat capability. Although Iowa fans are eager to see Sullivan take on the starting role, head coach Kirk Ferentz is not ready to commit to that change. Meanwhile, running back Kaleb Johnson has been performing exceptionally well, rushing 146 times for 1,144 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 7.8 yards per carry. He currently ranks just behind Boise State’s Heisman contender Ashton Jeanty in total rushing yards this season. As Iowa looks to establish a more balanced offensive strategy, they will turn to Sullivan in hopes of sparking the quarterback position for Saturday’s game.
“Quarterback Conundrum: Hawkeyes’ Star Sidelines with Concussion, Underdog Transfer Steps Up for High-Stakes Showdown!”
