Mark Gronowski’s final college season didn’t light up the stat sheet the way some expected, but don’t let that fool you-there’s real talent under center. The Iowa quarterback has always owned the ups and downs of the Hawkeyes’ passing game, but if you watched closely, there were moments last fall that reminded you why he was once such a hot name on draft boards.
Take the Michigan State game, for example. Late in a tight contest, Gronowski fired a strike to senior wideout Jacob Gill in the end zone to knot the score.
It was the kind of throw that makes you sit up a little straighter on the couch-tight window, perfect placement, all confidence. Or his early touchdown to DJ Vonnahme in the ReliaQuest Bowl win over Vanderbilt-another clean read, another well-placed ball.
The flashes were there, even if the full picture never quite came together in Iowa City.
But now, with a fresh opportunity at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas, Gronowski is making the most of his chance to remind scouts-and everyone else-what he can do when the system opens up a bit. He’s been one of the more intriguing quarterbacks during practice week, and he hasn’t been shy about letting it rip.
One clip that’s been making the rounds shows him dropping a beautiful pass down the seam, threading it between defenders with the kind of touch and velocity that NFL evaluators love to see. Another highlight?
A fade route dropped right into the hands of Florida receiver J. Michael Sturdivant.
That ball couldn’t have been placed any better-tight spiral, great timing, and the kind of anticipation you want from a pro-ready quarterback. Sturdivant deserves credit for the route, but Gronowski made the throw look effortless.
That kind of connection is something Iowa fans saw often between Gronowski and Reece Vander Zee during the season. He’s always had the arm talent-it’s just a matter of getting into the right rhythm and situation. And right now, he’s showing that when given the platform, he can deliver.
Gronowski is competing for the starting nod for the West squad in the Shrine Bowl, sharing the spotlight with fellow Hawkeye Kaden Wetjen. Whether he gets the first snap or comes in off the bench, he’s already made his presence felt during the week. Multiple analysts have tabbed him as one of the standout performers from practice, and it’s not hard to see why.
Before transferring to Iowa, Gronowski made a name for himself at South Dakota State, where he carved up defenses and climbed into early-round draft conversations. But after a tough final season and a lingering injury, his stock took a hit-many now peg him as a late-round prospect, somewhere in the sixth or seventh round. Still, there’s plenty to like: he’s a sturdy 6'2", 225 pounds, moves well in and out of the pocket, and has a high football IQ that shows up in his decision-making.
The question now is where he lands in the 2026 NFL Draft. But if he keeps stacking strong practices and shows out in the Shrine Bowl itself, don’t be surprised if a team takes a closer look earlier than expected. Gronowski’s got the tools-it’s just a matter of finding the right fit.