The 2025 college football season may be in the books, but for several former Iowa Hawkeyes, the journey is just heating up. With the NFL Draft on the horizon, three standout Hawkeyes are gearing up for one of the most important showcases of their careers - the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Set to take place at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the Shrine Bowl gives prospects a national stage to impress NFL scouts, coaches, and front office personnel. And for Iowa fans, there’s plenty to keep an eye on.
Mark Gronowski: A Shot to Rise
At the center of the spotlight is quarterback Mark Gronowski. He’s been turning heads all week in practice - not just with his arm strength, but with the poise and command he’s shown in a new system.
Gronowski’s ability to make all the throws and adapt quickly to Shrine Bowl coaching has drawn positive attention from evaluators. This is a huge opportunity for him to elevate his draft stock, especially in a class that’s loaded with quarterback talent but still very much in flux after the top-tier names.
Kaden Wetjen: Speed That Pops
If you’re tuning in looking for a spark plug, keep your eyes on Kaden Wetjen. The former Hawkeye return man has flashed serious juice during practices, not just in the return game but as a route runner.
His agility and acceleration have made him a tough cover all week, and in a game like the Shrine Bowl - where special teams can make a big impression - Wetjen has a real chance to stand out. NFL teams are always looking for dynamic returners who can double as gadget players or slot receivers.
Wetjen fits that mold.
Karson Sharar: Another Linebacker Built the Iowa Way
Then there’s Karson Sharar, the latest in Iowa’s long line of fundamentally sound, tough-nosed linebackers. He brings a high football IQ, consistent tackling, and the kind of motor that doesn’t quit. These all-star games can be tricky for linebackers - limited reps and unfamiliar schemes - but Sharar’s instincts and ability to diagnose plays quickly could help him make an impact even in a short window.
Quarterback Talent Runs Deep
While Iowa’s trio will have their moment, they’re not the only players drawing attention. The quarterback group at the Shrine Bowl this year is one of the most intriguing in recent memory.
Alongside Gronowski, scouts will be watching Louisville’s Miller Moss, Texas Tech’s Morton Behren, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, Georgia Tech’s Haynes King, UConn’s Joe Fagnano, Virginia Tech’s Kyron Drones, and Kansas’ Jalon Daniels. It’s a deep and diverse group, with each quarterback bringing a different skill set to the table - from dual-threat athleticism to pure pocket passing.
For teams looking to find value outside the first round, this is where those conversations begin. And for players like Gronowski, this is the kind of week that can change everything.
How to Watch
The East-West Shrine Bowl kicks off tonight, with coverage on NFL Network. It’s not just an exhibition - it’s a proving ground. And for Iowa’s hopefuls, it’s the next big step in chasing their NFL dreams.