Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara will miss the rest of the season due to an ACL tear; Deacon Hill will start versus Purdue.
Cade McNamara, a Michigan transfer, will be replaced at quarterback by Deacon Hill, a transfer from Wisconsin.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara will miss the remainder of the season due to a ruptured knee ligament, and Deacon Hill will start this week against Purdue, according to coach Kirk Ferentz.
McNamara tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Iowa’s first-half victory over Michigan State. Ferentz says the Michigan transfer will have surgery shortly and intends to return next season.
McNamara, who missed most of last season with Michigan because of a knee injury, hurt his upper right leg in an August scrimmage and was not able to fully participate in most of the preseason practices. He tore his ACL while scrambling out of the end zone in the first quarter against Michigan State.
“Really tough break considering the last few years he’s had more than his share of obstacles,” Ferentz said. “Your heart goes out to him.”
The 6-foot-3, 258-pound Hill transferred to Iowa after spending two years at Wisconsin. The third-year sophomore was 11 of 27 for 115 yards and a touchdown in relief of McNamara in the 26-16 win over Michigan State.
Hill’s most major action had occurred during his junior year of high school in Santa Barbara, California. Hill played a shortened schedule in 2020 due to the epidemic, redshirted at Wisconsin in 2021, and played just three plays for the Badgers last year.
Hill’s backup will be Joe Labas in Saturday’s home game versus Purdue.
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“For anyone who gets the opportunity to play in college, it’s a blessing,” said Hill. “It’s a huge blessing for me.” I wish it had occurred under different circumstances. I cared about Cade and wanted the best for him. Injuries are a part of the game, and now it’s my turn to work as hard as I can.”
