Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill enters transfer portal: What this means for the Hawkeyes

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Quarterback Deacon Hill, who started nine games for Iowa last year, has entered the transfer portal with two years available, he announced via Instagram on Tuesday.

Here's what former Iowa QB Deacon Hill wrote as he announced his entry into the transfer portal. pic.twitter.com/XiPBIexCB4

– Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) April 23, 2024

Hill, a redshirt freshman, was thrust into action last September when Iowa native Kade McNamara suffered a torn ACL early in the team's fifth game against Michigan State. Hill oversaw the Hawkeyes' offense for the rest of the season, which ended with a 10-4 record and the Big Ten West Division title.

Last fall, the Hawkeyes finished last in the country with 234.6 yards per game. The second lowest belongs to Eastern Michigan with 262.8 yards per game. In fact, Iowa's production was the lowest of any Big Ten team since Northwestern (230.2) in 1984.

With the exception of former offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, whose contract was not renewed, no one outside of Hill (6-foot-3, 258 pounds) has taken more blame and spotlight for Iowa's offensive woes. Hill completed 48.6 percent of his passes for 1,152 yards, five touchdowns and eight interceptions last year.

Hill had 11 fumbles and lost six, including at least one fumble in all four of Iowa's losses. The Hawkeyes were shut out in their last two games last year.

In a statement, Hill thanked his coaches and former teammates. He added: “Iowa, you gave me one of the best years of my life. I have built some of the most important relationships in my life and I am forever grateful for that.

Hill transferred to Iowa State in the spring of 2023 after two seasons at Wisconsin.

With McNamara continuing to rehabilitate his left knee, Hill and redshirt freshman Marco Lines III were the only scholarship players available to run new offensive coordinator Tim Lester's offense this spring. Hill worked primarily with the first team, while Lines took pictures with the second and third units.

With freshman James Resard from Jacksonville, Fla., entering the fold in June, the Hawkeyes will have three quarterbacks available for summer workouts. There is a strong possibility that Iowa State will sign another quarterback from the transfer portal to compete with McNamara and Laynes during training camp.

“We're going to do whatever we can to help our team,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said of signing players from the portal. “If a logical opportunity arises, we will consider it.”

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(Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski/USA Today)