The Iowa Hawkeyes have made a major move to revamp their struggling offense by landing one of the best quarterbacks in the FCS: Mark Gronowski. After four remarkable seasons at South Dakota State, Gronowski, the 2023 Walter Payton Award winner, brings an exciting dual-threat dynamic and a proven championship pedigree to the Iowa .
A Historic Career at South Dakota State
Gronowski’s career at South Dakota State was nothing short of legendary. Over four seasons, he accumulated an eye-popping 10,742 passing yards and 93 touchdowns while maintaining an impressive career completion rate of 65.4%. His efficiency wasn’t limited to passing; Gronowski also excelled on the ground, rushing for 1,742 yards and 37 touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
Gronowski was at his best in high-pressure situations. He led the Jackrabbits to two FCS National Championships, earning MVP honors in both title games. His ability to elevate his performance on the biggest stages underscores his poise and leadership qualities. Gronowski also demonstrated his durability and consistency, starting 45 games over his college career and 130 total touchdowns.
Scouting Gronowski: The Dual-Threat QB Iowa Needs
Gronowski offers a skill set that fits perfectly with the modern game. His dual-threat capabilities allow him to extend plays and keep defenses guessing. Whether evading pressure to deliver a deep pass or using his athleticism to scramble for key yardage, Gronowski has the tools to elevate Iowa’s offense.
While his passing mechanics are somewhat unconventional, his arm talent is undeniable. He can make throws at all three levels, delivering the ball with velocity and accuracy. On third downs, Gronowski has been especially effective, converting 57% of his pass attempts into first downs or touchdowns in 2024.
His leadership and poise have also been evident throughout his career. In addition to his physical traits, Gronowski has consistently demonstrated the ability to read defenses and adjust on the fly, a quality that will serve him well in the Big Ten.
What Gronowski Brings to Iowa
Iowa’s offense has been a point of criticism in recent years, often plagued by inefficiency and lackluster quarterback play. Gronowski’s arrival signals a potential turning point. His ability to run the ball effectively complements his passing skills, making him a dynamic threat in the Hawkeyes’ system.
Iowa ranked 117th in total offense, averaging just 251 yards per game this past season. With Gronowski under center, the potential for an offensive overhaul is clear. The Hawkeyes now have a quarterback capable of executing creative play designs, exploiting mismatches, and pushing the tempo, something that has been missing for years.
Although Gronowski has a polished resume, there’s room for improvement. Refining his passing mechanics will be key to his development as a pro prospect. With a talented arm and the ability to deliver throws across all three levels, tightening up his technique could unlock even more accuracy and consistency. If he can continue to develop against tougher competition in the Big Ten, Gronowski has the potential to emerge as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks.
Gronowski’s decision to transfer to Iowa instead of entering the NFL Draft highlights his commitment to growth. By taking on the challenge of Big Ten competition, he has an opportunity to prove himself on a larger stage while helping to elevate the Hawkeyes’ program. With his dual-threat ability, leadership, and championship pedigree, Gronowski is poised to make an immediate impact and potentially lead Iowa to new heights in 2025.
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