Brendan Sullivan injury: What happened to Iowa's QB during UCLA clash?

Quarterback Brendan Sullivan and the Iowa Hawkeyes lost 17-20 to the UCLA Bruins Friday. It was another disappointing loss for a Hawkeyes squad with aspirations to make the playoff.

However, the game ended up being disappointing for reasons beyond the results, as Brendan Sullivan was injured.

Brendan Sullivan injury update

Sullivan took several hard hits during the first three quarters of Iowa's (6-4, 4-3 B1G) Week 11 clash with UCLA (4-5, 3-4 B1G).

The medical team evaluated the quarterback, and although he initially returned to the game, he was seen on the sideline with his helmet off later in the third quarter. He did not return to the game after that point. It was announced after the game that Sullivan had sprained his ankle.

What happened to Brendan Sullivan?

Brendan Sullivan was subjected to several hard hits throughout the game against UCLA on Friday. He could play through most of them, but an extra hard hit near the sideline in the third quarter appeared to shake him up.

After the hit, he was evaluated in the medical tent and was able to return to the field on the next drive. However, following another hard hit, Sullivan went to the sideline again.

After that, the Hawkeyes QB did not return and was replaced by Jackson Stratton. He was seen without his helmet on while being evaluated on the sideline. It was later revealed that he had sprained his ankle.

When will Brendan Sullivan return?

It is unclear when Sullivan will return to action for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Recovery timelines for sprained ankles can vary significantly depending on the severity. Players can play through minor sprains, but severe sprains can cause them to miss weeks if not more than a month. The coaching staff have not told reporters the severity of Sullivan's sprain.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz spoke with the media after the 17-20 UCLA loss and addressed Sullivan's injury. He told reporters he would know more next week, but it was too soon to know how long the Hawkeyes QB would be out.

Sullivan was already the backup quarterback but was thrust into the starting position after starter Cade McNamara suffered a concussion two weeks ago in a 4-14 Northwestern victory. So now, the Hawkeyes will turn to third-stringer Jackson Stratton with Sullivan out.

Stratton did not play in 2023 after transferring to Iowa from Colorado State.