As the transfer portal prepares to swing open on January 2, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz made one thing clear: the Hawkeyes aren’t in scramble mode when it comes to finding their next quarterback.
With the ReliaQuest Bowl on deck against No. 14 Vanderbilt, Iowa is not only locked in on finishing the season strong - they're also preparing for what will be the final collegiate game for graduate quarterback Mark Gronowski. And while the portal buzz is starting to build around the country, Ferentz doesn’t sound like a coach looking to dive headfirst into it for a new signal-caller.
“Never say never,” Ferentz said, leaving the door cracked just a bit. “But that’s not a primary thought right now.”
And why would it be? Gronowski, a transfer himself, has made a significant impact in his short time in Iowa City.
He’s already etched his name into the program’s record books, setting new single-season marks for rushing yards (491) and rushing touchdowns (15) by a quarterback. That dual-threat ability has added a new wrinkle to Iowa’s offense - one that’s been sorely needed.
Ferentz also pointed to Gronowski’s growth throughout the season, especially after dealing with an injury that cost him some time earlier in the year. “He’s gaining ground every day,” Ferentz said.
“His attitude has been consistent all the way through it.” That kind of leadership and resilience has clearly resonated within the program.
But it’s not just about Gronowski. Iowa’s quarterback room has quietly grown deeper and more competitive over the last year. The Hawkeyes brought in two other transfer quarterbacks in the offseason - Hank Brown from Auburn and Jeremy Hecklinski from Wake Forest - and both have been developing behind the scenes.
“We’ve been able to work all the guys, actually,” Ferentz said. “I think Jeremy and Hank are both making strides and improving. We’re seeing progress out there, so that’s encouraging.”
And the future is already taking shape. Iowa recently signed four-star quarterback Tradon Bessinger as part of its 2026 recruiting class, adding another layer of talent to a group that’s beginning to look more and more like a long-term solution rather than a stopgap.
So while the portal will be filled with plenty of quarterback movement in the coming weeks, don’t expect Iowa to be among the most aggressive players. Ferentz made it clear: “As we sit here right now, the goal is not to have to look outside. We’ll keep an eye on things, but that’s not our intention now.”
For now, the focus is squarely on closing the season with a statement. No.
23 Iowa (8-4, 6-3 Big Ten) heads to Tampa to face a tough Vanderbilt squad (10-2, 6-2 SEC) in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.
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It’ll be the final ride for Gronowski in a Hawkeyes uniform - and potentially the launching pad for what’s next in a quarterback room that’s starting to feel a lot more stable than it did just a year ago.