Sullivan’s Magic Touch: How a Northwestern Transfer Became Iowa’s Game-Changing QB
Brendan Sullivan is proving to be the spark that Iowa football desperately needed. The former Northwestern quarterback has ignited the Hawkeyes’ offense, leading them to two impressive victories and leaving fans wondering why this change didn’t happen sooner.
Since taking over from Cade McNamara, Sullivan has shown exactly what makes him special. In just two starts, he’s led Iowa to score over 40 points in both games—a feat that seemed impossible earlier this season. His dual-threat capabilities have transformed an offense that was previously struggling to find its identity.
“You don’t are guaranteed to play anywhere you go,” Sullivan said after his stellar performance against Wisconsin. “My Lord and Savior, he’s given me the amount of faith and trust in myself to be able to go out there every day and just believe in myself.”
The path to Sullivan’s starting role wasn’t straightforward. Although some fans question the timing, McNamara’s concussion against Northwestern paved the way for Sullivan. Head coach Kirk Ferentz was initially coy about the quarterback change, but Sullivan’s performance has made it difficult to imagine anyone else leading the offense.
Against UCLA, Sullivan showed off his arm talent with two explosive plays—a 31-yard completion and a 59-yard bomb—the longest passing plays for Iowa this season. But it’s not just his throwing ability that’s winning over fans. His leadership style and toughness have earned him respect in the locker room.
“When you’ve got a guy who can break away and run forever… it definitely opens things up,” says center Logan Jones. “It’s harder on defenses to have to guard inside zone, outside zone, then a quarterback who can possibly pull it, and then the pass game as well.”
Sullivan’s journey to Iowa City is a testament to perseverance. A former basketball player turned quarterback, he led Davison High School to its first-ever Michigan Division I state championship. He demonstrated flashes of brilliance at Northwestern before transferring to Iowa, where he is currently maximizing his opportunities.
The numbers tell part of the story: Sullivan is 2-0 as a starter, and while he hasn’t put up gaudy passing statistics, he’s running the offense efficiently and making plays when they matter most. His ability to extend plays with his legs has added a new dimension to Iowa’s attack.
“Honestly, I don’t place too much importance on my stats,” Sullivan stated following the Wisconsin victory. “We got the 42-10 win today, so that’s the only thing I care about.”
What stands out most about Sullivan isn’t just his athletic ability—it’s his competitive fire. Whether he’s lead-blocking for teammates or bouncing back from big hits, he’s shown the kind of toughness that resonates with Iowa’s blue-collar fanbase.
Looking ahead, the Hawkeyes face crucial games that will test Sullivan’s mettle. However, his first two starts suggest Iowa may have found their future quarterback. The Northwestern transfer has given Hawkeye fans something they’ve been craving: hope for an explosive offense.
As one fan tweeted during the UCLA game: “We finally have ourselves a football player!” For Iowa supporters who’ve endured years of offensive struggles, Sullivan’s emergence feels like answered prayers.
The question now isn’t whether Sullivan should be the starter—it’s how far he can take this rejuvenated Iowa offense. With his blend of leadership, toughness, and playmaking ability, Brendan Sullivan has transformed from backup to beacon of hope for the Hawkeye faithful.