Tag: Mark Gronowski

ESPN predicts the Iowa football starting QB for 2025

Does Iowa look to a new face under center or open it up to competition?

Can the Iowa Hawkeyes stabilize the quarterback position?

That remains the question for Iowa that has existed for the last half-decade since Nate Stanley was under center for the Hawkeyes.

The answer could rest with one of ESPN’s top-ranked transfer portal additions, former South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski. The two-time FCS National Champion joined Iowa via the transfer portal and has infused hope into the thoughts of the 2025 offense.

While many expect Gronowski to be handed the keys to the offense, he will undergo an offseason procedure that will keep him from joining the team on the field until the summer.

Despite the slight delay, ESPN predicted Mark Gronowski to be Iowa’s starting quarterback in 2025 as they offered a starting quarterback prediction for each team in the Power Four.

2025 starter: Mark Gronowski, redshirt senior, South Dakota State transfer

Why he’ll start: Iowa is bringing in one of the most prolific quarterbacks at the FCS level for his final season of eligibility. Gronowski was a four-year starter for the Jackrabbits with a 49-6 career record and earned two national championship rings. He won the Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in FCS in 2023 and has thrown for more than 10,000 yards in his career. An offseason surgery will force Gronowski to miss spring practice with the Hawkeyes, but Iowa is hoping he’ll be cleared by June  and will continue to be highly productive in Tim Lester’s offense. – ESPN

The most experienced group of the bunch, Gronowski almost certainly did not come to Iowa without nearly being assured that the offense was his job, or at least his to lose in a quarterback battle.

Should the injury linger or things go sideways, Iowa does have quarterbacks waiting to compete and show what they’ve got. ESPN also dug into who could dethrone Gronowski.

Competition: Northwestern transfer Brendan Sullivan earned three starts late in the season for the Hawkeyes and is set to return for 2025. Iowa also landed Auburn redshirt freshman transfer Hank Brown in December. – ESPN

Brendan Sullivan infused life into the offense in 2024 with his goal line package that saw great success and opened up the offense in his starts during the second half of the season.

Still raw, Sullivan will use the offseason to refine his decision-making and fine-tune some of his footwork in the passing game.

While Mark Gronowski is expected to get the nod, the Iowa Hawkeyes appear to be set up better than they have in years with depth and experience throughout the quarterback room.

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ESPN ranks Mark Gronowski among nation’s top 25 transfer portal additions

ESPN ranked new Iowa QB Mark Gronowski among the nation’s top transfer portal additions.

The Iowa Hawkeyes made one of the loudest splashes nationally with their transfer portal signing of former South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski.

A two-time FCS national champion with the Jackrabbits, Gronowski brings all sorts of production and a winning pedigree to Iowa City.

For an Iowa offense that is looking to continue turning the corner under second-year offensive coordinator Tim Lester, Gronowski could be the missing piece in that quest.

ESPN tabbed Gronowski’s fit with Iowa among the best portal pairings nationally.

ESPN’s Max Olson also ranks Gronowski as one of the top players from the transfer portal in general. Olson and ESPN rank Gronowski as the No. 23 transfer portal addition nationally.

By hitting the portal at the end of the winter cycle, he immediately became the top QB available on the market. Why? Because nobody in this cycle comes close to matching his career production. He’s been one of the most dominant QBs in the sport, a four-year starter with a 49-6 career record and two national championship rings at the FCS level.

Gronowski is the active career leader at the FCS level in total offense with 10,309 passing yards, 1,767 rushing yards and 130 total touchdowns. He won the Walter Payton Award in 2023 as the top offensive player at that level. He went into the 2024 season with a late-round NFL draft grade…

What a win for the Hawkeyes. They were looking to improve their QB situation for 2025 via the portal, and their patience paid off when Gronowski hit the market. There’s not a more experienced or accomplished QB in this cycle when you consider he’s played more than 3,000 career snaps. Gronowski was productive in his lone start against Power 4 competition in 2024, throwing for 264 yards and two TDs with one interception in a 44-20 loss at Oklahoma State. He’ll be eager to prove he can compete at the highest level in the Big Ten. – Olson, ESPN.

ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill also provided a scouting report of what Iowa is adding in Gronowski.

This guy is the very definition of substance over style. All he does is make good decisions and win. It’s not always pretty and his methods can be unorthodox, but the end result is amongst the elite in college football. An adequate athlete, Gronowski shines with his accuracy. He’ll bring experience and smart play along with a sky-high expectation to perform, which he has done his entire career – Luginbill, ESPN.

Ultimately, that’s really what Iowa has been looking for. The Hawkeyes need an experienced quarterback that can make quick, smart decisions to spark their passing game and to complement a rushing attack that ranked 24th nationally.

Gronowski is undergoing an offseason surgery and will begin team activities with Iowa this summer.

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ESPN ranks the fit of QB Mark Gronowski and Iowa football among top transfers

Mark Gronowski and the Iowa Hawkeyes are a transfer portal match.

The 2025 season for the Iowa Hawkeyes is nearly eight months away but there is already palpable excitement and anticipation for what could be in store.

The addition of former South Dakota State QB Mark Gronowksi via the transfer portal has ignited hope for Iowa that they may stabilize the quarterback position this season with proven success under center.

The move is one that could turn Iowa into a national player if things click as some expect it to. One of those who think this is a good match as ESPN. They rank Iowa and Mark Gronowski’s fit as the No. 8 best-fit for committed transfer portal QBs.

8. Mark Gronowski

Transferring from: South Dakota State | Transferring to: Iowa
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-3 | WT: 230 | Class: Redshirt senior

Why it’s a good fit: This guy is the definition of substance over style. All he does is make good decisions and win. He had a bit of a down year in 2024, but he’s bringing over 10,300 career yards and 93 touchdowns to an Iowa team that started to open its offense a bit under new playcaller Tim Lester. It’s not always pretty and his methods can be unorthodox, but Gronowski’s results are among the elite in college football — at any level. An adequate athlete, Gronowski shines thanks to his accuracy. He’ll bring experience and smart play along with a sky-high expectation to perform, which he has done his entire career. He’ll give Iowa stability and production. – Tom Luginbill, ESPN

Iowa needs an answer at the quarterback position. The past two seasons have seen Iowa start four different quarterbacks, which has created a sense of uncertainty in the offense.

Gronowski, who is expected to be ready for summer practices after he undergoes an offseason procedure, gives Iowa that. He has a ton of experience, and toughness, and will provide Iowa with a quarterback who can provide the offense with some sense of comfortability and veteran leadership.

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Iowa transfer QB Mark Gronowski to undergo offseason surgery

Iowa football’s biggest transfer portal addition, QB Mark Gronowski, will undergo offseason surgery.

The Iowa Hawkeyes’ largest, and arguably most important, offseason addition was landing former South Dakota State and two-time national champion quarterback Mark Gronowski via the transfer portal.

As Gronowski gets familiarized with Iowa, his new teammates, new coaching staff, and new playbook, he will be away from the field for some time.

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz revealed in a statement on Friday that Gronowski will undergo an offseason surgery with the intention of being a full participant in the summer program.

“Mark played last season with a common football-related injury. While he could have continued to play through the injury, Mark is choosing to have a procedure to address the issue, and we support him in his decision.

“Our sports medicine team thoroughly reviewed his records and has confidence he will be fully rehabbed in time to participate in our summer program. Mark will participate in all non-practice team activities while he recovers,” Ferentz said.

(Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

Gronowski brings 10,330 passing yards, 93 passing touchdowns, 1,767 rushing yards, and 37 rushing touchdowns to the Hawkeyes and an offense that is still revamping itself under offensive coordinator Tim Lester.

With Gronowski out for spring ball, the Iowa Hawkeyes will turn to a new-look quarterback room in the spring. Returning to the Hawkeyes are Brendan Sullivan and Jackson Stratton.

That duo will be joined by Hank Brown, another transfer portal addition from Auburn, and freshman quarterback Jimmy Sullivan.

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Iowa football lands commitment from winningest FCS QB, Mark Gronowski

Boom! Iowa has landed its top transfer portal target as QB Mark Gronowski confirms he is joining the Hawkeyes.

The Iowa Hawkeyes have landed the NCAA transfer portal addition that the fan base has been waiting on.

Former South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski announced on Tuesday his commitment to Iowa football.

This addition provides instant help, depth, and talent to a quarterback room that is being redone by offensive coordinator Tim Lester.

Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports and 247Sports was the first to report the news that the two-time FCS national champion would be joining the Hawkeyes.

The former Jackrabbit visited Iowa over the weekend and now joins the Hawkeyes after a decorated FCS career.

The 6-foot-3, 230 pound quarterback led them to back-to-back FCS national championships in 2022 and 2023 and finished his time at SDSU tied for the most career FCS wins with 49.

During his time with South Dakota State, Gronowski threw for 10,330 yards, 93 touchdowns, and just 20 interceptions. His best season came in 2023 when he threw for 3,058 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 68.1% of his passes.

Gronowski has proven he can do it on the ground as well. He totaled 1,767 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns in his career, averaging 4.6 yards per rush.

Gronowski is rated as a four-star transfer per Rivals and as the nation’s No. 30 player nationally. According to 247Sports, Gronowski is a three-star transfer addition, the No. 320 player overall and the No. 27 quarterback.

Gronowski joins a quarterback room that includes returning quarterbacks Brendan Sullivan and Jackson Stratton along with newcomers. The other new faces are Auburn transfer Hank Brown and freshman Jimmy Sullivan.

Gronowski hails from Naperville, Ill., where he attended Neuqua Valley High School. This is of note as it is in the same neighborhood as Tim Lester’s stomping grounds.

Lester attended Wheaton Warrenville South High School. That is just 11 miles from Gronowski’s high school. The underlying familiarity is there and may have played a role in Gronowski joining the Hawkeyes and Tim Lester.

Coming out of high school, Gronowski did not receive any FBS offers and elected to take his talents to South Dakota State, a choice that has proven to be fruitful.

Gronowski joins Bryce Hawthorne as another transfer to make the jump from South Dakota State to Iowa. Hawthorne was a defensive tackle for the Jackrabbits who recently committed to Iowa.

In addition to Brown and Hawthorne, Iowa also added former Central Michigan defensive tackle Jonah Pace via the transfer portal.

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Iowa football hosting two-time FCS national champion QB Mark Gronowski

Iowa welcomed in former South Dakota State QB Mark Gronowski on Friday.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are hosting two-time FCS national championship-winning quarterback Mark Gronowski on Friday.

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Gronowski is visiting Iowa today after having entered the transfer portal on Dec. 31.

Gronowski led South Dakota State to back-to-back FCS national championships to cap the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The 6-foot-3, 230 pound quarterback just guided the Jackrabbits back to the FCS national semifinals before bowing out versus North Dakota State, 28-21.

As he departs South Dakota State, Gronowski leaves as the all-time FCS wins leader for starting quarterbacks with 49 victories. The Naperville, Ill, product has thrown for 10,330 yards and 93 touchdowns against 20 interceptions in his career.

Gronowski has also rushed 385 times for 1,767 yards and 37 more touchdowns.

Gronowski was the Jackrabbits’ starting quarterback when South Dakota State visited Kinnick Stadium to open the 2022 college football season. Iowa won that defensive struggle, 7-3.

Iowa has already added Hank Brown from Auburn via the transfer portal and it inked Jimmy Sullivan in the 2025 signing class, but the Hawkeyes would love to keep adding to a quarterback room that will return Brendan Sullivan and Jackson Stratton.

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Iowa Football week 1 opponent offense outlook: South Dakota State Jackrabbits

The Hawkeyes host South Dakota State in week one. Here is an offensive outlook for what the Jackrabbits will try to do and who to watch.

Welcome to week one! The 2022 college football season is finally upon us and it kicks off for the Iowa Hawkeyes as they host the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.

There is no shortage of hype surrounding the Jackrabbits as we enter the season. They advanced to the semifinals last year in the FCS playoffs. They get their quarterback, Mark Gronowski, back from injury. They return their top target at wide receiver and they have a proven running back. Let’s get into our outlook of the Jackrabbits’ offense.

The Jackrabbits averaged 36 points per game last season to go along with 212 yards rushing per game and 229 yards passing per game. They are balanced and they do what they do very well. Managing the game is an area they also did well in. They averaged over 31 minutes in time of possession, which would have been good enough to be in the top-30 in FBS in that statistical category.

Mark Gronowski, QB

Mark Gronowski retakes his spot at the helm of the offense after missing last season due to injury. During his 10-game campaign in the 2020 season, he was a dangerous dual-threat quarterback with 1,565 yards and 15 touchdowns through the air to go with 577 yards on the ground and seven touchdowns. Gronowski can hurt a defense both ways.

Jaxon Janke, WR

The top receiver for the Jackrabbits, Jaxon Janke, is also returning. The senior exploded last year posting a stat-line of 72 catches for 1,176 yards and five touchdowns. He is expected to be Gronowski’s No. 1 target this fall. With 16.3 yards per catch, Janke can hurt a team down the field with his size at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds. He will have size on nearly all of the Hawkeyes’ cornerbacks and be a great week one test.

Tucker Kraft, TE

The Hawkeyes are not the only team in this game with a current tight end that will be jumping to the NFL next spring. Tight end, Tucker Kraft, had 65 receptions for 773 yards and six touchdowns. Albeit against FCS competition, all of those numbers topped Sam LaPorta’s career highs. Kraft is 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, and, once he gets the ball in his hands, it takes a handful to bring him down.

Isaiah Davis, RB

In the backfield, the lion’s share of the snaps should go to Isaiah Davis, a junior running back. Davis has not been the lead back yet in his career, but in his two seasons he has still contributed 1,519 yards and 17 touchdowns. At 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, Davis is not afraid to be a bruiser and will give the Hawkeyes’ defense all they can handle meeting him in the hole.

While they reside in the FCS, South Dakota State is no slouch and will be looking to come into Kinnick Stadium and make a statement on Saturday. The Jackrabbits don’t just want to hang around, they truly believe they can upset the Hawkeyes. For Iowa, the defense should be ready to take on these individuals and slow them down to start the season off on the right foot.

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