Whether it is fair or not, the 2025 Iowa Hawkeyes football season is beginning to look like it is going to see its success rest on the shoulders of the offense once again. A trend that has become commonplace for Iowa with their stout defense, the offense continues to be the biggest question mark.
Iowa improved last year and enters the second year with Tim Lester calling plays, which should only continue to see the offense open up more and gain traction. Leading his offense is proven talent Mark Gronowski, a quarterback transfer from South Dakota State.
While Mark Gronowski chose to join the Hawkeyes, he had NFL interest last year and could have taken the leap to go pro with a likely chance to make a roster. Despite snubbing the NFL last year, he still finds himself ranked as one of ESPN’s top NFL QB draft prospects in the 2026 draft.
Mark Gronowski, Iowa
Gronowski had a historic career at South Dakota State, leading the Jackrabbits to two national championships and tying for the most-ever wins (49) for an FCS starting quarterback. He flirted with entering the 2025 NFL draft and even got an invite to the combine but decided to go to Iowa, whose offense showed improvement in 2024. The 6-3, 230-pounder is a densely built passer who can also make plays with his legs. – Jordan Reid, ESPN
Gronowski’s dual-threat ability makes him unique and intriguing to NFL teams, as his speed, arm talent, and rushing ability, paired with his big frame, is a mix that is not often found.
If Tim Lester can unlock the same dual-threat ability that Gronowski displayed for the Jackrabbits, where he won two national championships at the FCS level, the Hawkeyes instantly get an upgrade at the quarterback position with arguably their best talent at the spot in the last half-decade.
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