The Iowa Hawkeyes are back in the national spotlight-and this time, it’s not just because of their trademark defense or punishing run game. It’s the East-West Shrine Bowl, and a couple of Hawkeyes are making sure NFL scouts take notice.
Let’s start with Kaden Wetjen. You might know him as Iowa’s record-breaking return man, but this week, he’s been showing off a much broader skill set.
At Shrine Bowl practices, Wetjen has been turning heads as a wide receiver-crisp routes, reliable hands, and the kind of burst that makes defensive backs look like they’re stuck in quicksand. It’s one thing to be explosive on special teams, but proving you can contribute in the passing game?
That’s how you climb draft boards.
And then there’s Mark Gronowski. If you watched Iowa football in 2025, you probably remember him torching defenses with his legs-16 rushing touchdowns that season alone.
But what’s getting attention this week isn’t just his mobility-it’s his polish as a passer. Gronowski wrapped up his college career with a staggering 12,049 passing yards and 103 touchdowns through the air.
Add in over 2,300 rushing yards and 53 more scores on the ground, and you’ve got a quarterback who brings both production and versatility.
At the Shrine Bowl, Gronowski is showing he belongs in the NFL conversation. He’s making smart reads, delivering the ball with touch and velocity, and showing command in a pro-style setting. The buzz is building-not just in the stands or among scouts, but across social media, where his name is starting to trend.
For Iowa, this is nothing new. The program has a knack for developing NFL-ready talent, and this year’s Shrine Bowl is just the latest reminder.
Wetjen and Gronowski are making the most of their moment-and if they keep this up, they won’t just be Shrine Bowl standouts. They’ll be names to watch come draft weekend.