Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara to return in 2024 after knee surgery

Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara will return to the Hawkeyes in 2024 after undergoing season-ending knee surgery, he announced on social media.

McNamara announced his decision Wednesday night on X and Instagram. He posted a photo of himself in a hospital bed.

"I can't wait to get back to Iowa City to support my teammates for the rest of this season!I had a vision when I decided to come to Iowa and that vision remains the same," McNamara wrote on his social media platforms.

"There is still a lot I want to accomplish in the Black and Gold and look forward to bringing it to life in the 2024 season. Go Hawks!"

pic.twitter.com/ZHB2e2tizN— Cade McNamara (@Cademac_12) October 26, 2023

McNamara, who announced in December that he would transfer to Iowa from Michigan, completed 51.1% (46 of 90) of his passes for 505 yards, four scores and three interceptions in five games this season for the Hawkeyes.

The senior quarterback missed part of the preseason as he recovered from surgery on his right knee and a quad injury. He tore the ACL in his left knee in the Hawkeyes' 26-16 win over Michigan State on Sept. 30 in Iowa City.

"Was not anticipating posting one of these when this year began; however, there are some things in life that can not be explained, but the best we can do is put our faith in God and follow the path that he has chosen for us," McNamara wrote.

"I want to thank everyone for all the love and support. The road ahead is a rigorous one, but nothing I haven't overcome before."

McNamara, a fifth-year player who redshirted in 2019 for the Wolverines, is eligible for an extra year because of the COVID-19 pandemic-impacted 2020 college football season.

Sophomore quarterback Deacon Hill continues to fill in for McNamara. He completed 37.8% (37 of 98) of his throws for 427 yards, two scores and three interceptions in seven appearances.

The Hawkeyes (6-2) sit outside the Top 25. They will play Northwestern (3-4) at 3:30 p.m. EDT on Nov. 4 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.