McNamara slams 'ridiculous' rumors about status with Iowa

Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara addressed his status with the team Friday on social media, shutting down speculation he played his final snap as a member of the Hawkeyes.

"It has come to my attention that there are individuals in the media circulating rumors about my current status on the Iowa Football Team. These are ridiculous accusations and 100% false," McNamara wrote. "My status is the same as it's always been - a proud member of this football team."

McNamara sustained a concussion Oct. 26 and missed multiple games but was reportedly in line to start Saturday's contest against Maryland after Hawkeyes passer Brendan Sullivan suffered an ankle injury expected to sideline him for at least the remainder of the regular season.

However, it's walk-on quarterback Jackson Stratton who'll be under center for Iowa versus Maryland, notes ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz listed McNamara as QB1 for the matchup against the Terrapins earlier this week and said the signal-caller had been cleared to play, according to Sports Illustrated's Matthew Schmidt. Ferentz then described McNamara's status as "cloudy," which led to speculation that McNamara could be on his way out of the team.

But McNamara explained Friday that he isn't medically ready to play yet and is still trying to clear the concussion protocol.

"I suffered a concussion versus Northwestern and have been doing everything in my power to get back on the field," he said. "I have not been cleared to play yet. I was cleared to participate in practice this past Sunday but had an adverse reaction, which is common for someone coming out of protocol. I have been lifting and attending meetings as much as possible but have not physically participated in practice Monday through Thursday of this week. Because of this, I am unable to travel and participate this weekend at Maryland."

McNamara added: "I have been working with the University of Iowa doctors and trainers, a concussion specialist focused on vision training, as well as engaging in hyperbaric treatments as frequent as possible. I have every intention of to play versus Nebraska next Friday night, and I am confident that my teammates will return from Maryland with a win."

McNamara lacked consistency this season before being sidelined, completing 60.5% of his passes for 1,017 yards and six touchdowns against five interceptions in eight appearances. The senior transferred from Michigan to Iowa last year but played just five games with the Hawkeyes in 2023 before sustaining a torn ACL.