Iowa Hawkeyes Expect Quarterback Upgrade Behind Transfer Mark Gronowski

Kirk Ferentz, entering his 27th season as head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, is on the verge of becoming the Big Ten's all-time winningest coach, needing just two more wins to surpass Woody Hayes' record. Despite his long tenure and consistent success, the Hawkeyes have struggled offensively in recent years, particularly at the quarterback position, which has been marked by injuries and inconsistent play since Nathan Stanley's last strong season in 2019. To address this, Iowa has brought in South Dakota State transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski, who Ferentz believes will significantly improve the offense immediately, alongside other quarterback additions like Hank Brown, Jeremy Hecklinski, and returning Jackson Stratton. Ferentz emphasizes Iowa's developmental approach to players, but acknowledges the need for more modern solutions to elevate the offense to match the defense's high level. While Iowa has not won a Big Ten Championship since 2004, Ferentz remains one of the most respected and successful coaches in college football, maintaining a winning program despite the evolving competitiveness of the Big Ten. The 2025 season is viewed as a critical opportunity for Iowa to improve offensively and build on its strong defensive foundation under Ferentz's leadership.