10,000-Yard QB to Miss Significant Time After Transfer to Major College Football Program
The Iowa Hawkeyes have secured a transfer commitment from former South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski. However, some disappointing news emerged on Friday. The Gazette’s John Steppe reported that Gronowski is anticipated to be sidelined for a significant period after dealing with a common football injury this past season.
He will undergo surgery to address the injury and is not expected to participate in on-field team workouts until June. Gronowski played for the Jackrabbits from 2020 to 2024, where he amassed 10,309 passing yards, 93 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. Additionally, he has demonstrated his skills as a runner, accumulating 1,767 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns during his time at South Dakota State.
Gronowski has received multiple honors, including the 2023 Walter Payton Award, the Phil Steele FCS Offensive Player of the Year, and a spot on the AP All-America First Team.
Gronowski began his college career as South Dakota State’s starting quarterback right away in 2020. Unfortunately, he had to redshirt the following year after sustaining an injury during the 2021 FCS National Championship Game. He returned to play in 2022 and has started every game since. Gronowski is not the only quarterback transfer Iowa has added; they also have commitments from former Auburn quarterback Hank Brown.
The Hawkeyes’ quarterback lineup has seen departures, including Cade McNamara, James Resar, and Marco Lainez via the transfer portal. Additionally, Iowa has a quarterback from the 2025 class, three-star Jimmy Sullivan, enrolled. Head coach Kirk Ferentz, who has been with the team since 1999, guided Iowa to the 21st bowl game of his tenure this season. The Hawkeyes faced No. 19 Missouri in the Music City Bowl, ultimately losing 27-24 and finishing the 2024 season with an 8-5 record. Ferentz boasts an overall record of 204-124.
Leave a Reply