Kirk Ferentz made his return to the Iowa sideline on Saturday after serving a one-game suspension for recruiting violations. During warmups prior to the Cy-Hawk Series game against Iowa State, Ferentz entered Kinnick Stadium in style.
As the Hawkeyes were getting loose, Ferentz strolled out onto the field, and the stadium speakers began to blare 50 Cent's "Many Men." Seeing the 69-year-old Ferentz strut around while that song played is something you can only find in college football.
That scene might also be a sign that Ferentz and Iowa are still a little bitter about the NCAA investigation -- or maybe the Hawkeyes coach just loves "Get Rich or Die Tryin'." Regardless of why the song was chosen, it's a surefire way to get pumped up for an in-state rivalry game.
Didn’t have Kirk Ferentz returning from suspension to “Many Men” on my preseason bingo card. pic.twitter.com/BOdYgZobxh
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 7, 2024
Ferentz and wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr were suspended for recruiting violations related to the recruitment of quarterback Cade McNamara. The Hawkeyes' staff allegedly contacted quarterback McNamara before he entered the transfer portal at Michigan. McNamara transferred to Iowa in December 2022 after spending three seasons with the Wolverines, but a knee injury limited him to just five games last year.
The Hawkeyes didn't miss a beat without Ferentz in Week 1. Assistant head coach Seth Wallace served as the interim coach for a 40-0 win over Illinois State.
Getting Ferentz back for this game against Iowa State will be a boost for Iowa because he has plenty of experience with this matchup. Ferentz is 14-10 all-time against the Cyclones, and he has won 14 of the last 20.
