The NCAA dropped the proverbial hammer on the Iowa Hawkeyes, and it's a good reminder for Matt Campbell and the Nittany Lions.
The NCAA made a major statement with how it handled the Iowa Hawkeyes recruiting violation on Monday. After the Hawkeyes self-reported a recruiting violation in 2023, they received a slap on the wrist, but the NCAA came back around with the hammer on Monday.
In 2022, the Hawkeyes illegally contacted then-Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara to transfer and become their quarterback. He was promised a job in Iowa over the course of 13 text messages and one phone call. The communication was done outside of the legal window, and the result is staggering. Here is the punishment for Iowa:
- One year probation
- $25,000 fine
- Two week ban on all football recruiting communication (self imposed)
- 24 day reduction of in person recruiting days
- Vacating four victories from 2023
- Self imposed one game suspension for Kirk Ferentz and coach Jon Budamyr
This should be a major warning sign for the rest of college football, and Matt Campbell's Penn State staff should take notice.
This is not saying that there have ever been any recruiting violations committed by Campbell and his staff, but they are going to have their work cut out for them in the next couple of seasons.
Because of the late timing of Campbell was hired late, he basically lost an entire class. When James Franklin was fired from Penn State, along with him went several of their 2026 recruits and many transfers off the current team.
Now, as Campbell looks at his roster, he is basically void of a 2026 recruiting class, and he is going to have to remake elements of his roster through the transfer portal.
As he does that, this needs to be a constant reminder that in the current crazy landscape of college football, the rules need to be followed, no matter how silly they may seem.
For Iowa, this is more of a bummer for them. Nothing major changes for them in the long run, but it is mostly an annoyance for their program.
For the NCAA, this is a bizarre move. In a day and age where there seem to be no rules, Iowa has now forfeited more wins as a result of 13 text messages and one phone call than Michigan received for cheating during football games.
Just a bizarre ruling that needs to catch the attention of college football at large and specifically, Matt Campbell's Penn State Nittany Lions.
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