Iowa football fans have endured enough of quarterback Cade McNamara to know he's not the guy after barely earning the job before the season began. After a slow start versus Northwestern in Week 9, an untimely 84-yard pick-six set off a firestorm across social media. McNamara was benched in favor of transfer Brendan Sullivan, who came over from Northwestern before the season, per 247's Matt Zenitz.

Before halftime, Sullivan orchestrated a drive that led to a Kaleb Johnson rushing touchdown, giving the Hawkeyes the 12-7 lead. Big Ten Network commentators said the plan was for Sullivan to get at least one first-half drive, so it remains to be seen if McNamara will return to the game. Considering Iowa football entered this game as 13.5-point favorites, it doesn't bode well for McNamara that he was leading the offense to no traction against the Wildcats.

Iowa football's trio of Day 2 NFL Draft prospects

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Football News
Michigan Wolverines marching band performs before the game against the USC Trojans at Michigan Stadium.
Priority Michigan football 4-star DB target locks in commitment dateScotty White ·
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore looks on at a timeout against Ohio State during the first half
Michigan football predicted to land top OT targetScotty White ·
South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) before the play call against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the fourth quarter at Camping World Stadium.
South Carolina grabs in-state 4-star win over Georgia, TennesseeLorenzo J Reyna ·
Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard catches a pass in a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the 2024 season. Expectations will increase for Alabama in Kalen DeBoer's second season, and Bernard helps lead an improved group of receivers.
Alabama beats Ohio State, Ole Miss for 4-star TELorenzo J Reyna ·
Alabama Crimson Tide running back Justice Haynes (22) runs behind offensive lineman Parker Brailsford (72) and offensive lineman Tyler Booker (52) against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 28-14.
Alabama pulls off huge 5-star win over Texas, GeorgiaLorenzo J Reyna ·
Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Beaux Collins (5) and Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Mitchell Evans (88) celebrate a two-point conversion against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Notre Dame continues epic June by landing top 3 TELorenzo J Reyna ·

Running back Kaleb Johnson, linebacker Jay Higgins and safety Sebastian Castro are potential Day 2 prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Johnson is blessed with excellent vision, balance and patience as a runner. He doesn't have straight-line speed, but Johnson is great between the tackles and shows a natural elusiveness and agility in tight spaces. Boise State football RB Ashton Jeanty is at the top of the class in this position, but there is a big second tier where as many as a dozen running backs will be drafted from Rounds 2 to 4, including Johnson.

Coverage linebackers are must-haves in today's NFL, and Iowa football's Higgins fits the bill. Although he's a bit undersized to play inside, Higgins will likely play off-ball at the next level. He's excellent in coverage and has enough speed to challenge tight ends in space. He's a high football IQ player who can play in nickel packages. A poor 40-time could push him deeper into Day 2 or early Day 3 rounds.

Nickel corners are a prized commodity but still do not yet command a ton of draft capital. Castro fits the mold as a press-man cover corner with enough tenacity to be an in-the-box defender. His undersized frame is leveraged by fast recognition and play instincts. He will not show great long speed but could begin his career as a rotational defensive back and earn his keep on special teams while growing his coverage game.

The 4-3 Iowa Hawkeyes hold a 12-7 lead over Northwestern at halftime. They host the Wisconsin Badgers next week on Saturday, November 2.