Who Is Mark Gronowski? Everything You Need to Know About the NFL Executive

In the ever-evolving landscape of American college football, few names have generated as much buzz as Mark Gronowski. A former FCS standout turned transfer to a Power Five program, Gronowski has become a key figure in the Iowa Hawkeyes’ offensive strategy. As the 2025 season unfolds, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this decorated quarterback will perform at the FBS level. Below is everything you need to know about Mark Gronowski.

Early Life and High School Career

Mark Gronowski was born on October 5, 2001, in Naperville, Illinois. He attended Neuqua Valley High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dual-threat quarterback. As a senior, Gronowski completed 132 of 194 pass attempts for 1,663 yards with 15 touchdowns and one interception while also rushing for 846 yards and 12 touchdowns. His performance earned him attention from several Division I programs, but he ultimately chose to play for South Dakota State, receiving his only Division I scholarship offer.

College Career at South Dakota State

Gronowski’s freshman season at South Dakota State was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he still made an immediate impact. He passed for 1,584 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 577 yards and seven touchdowns. His performance earned him the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) Offensive Player of the Year, as well as the conference Freshman and Newcomer of the Year awards.

Unfortunately, Gronowski suffered a serious knee injury during the 2021 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game, which forced him to miss the entire 2021 fall season. He used a medical redshirt to recover and returned in 2022 as SDSU’s starting quarterback. That season, he led the Jackrabbits to the FCS National Championship Game, where he was named MVP after completing 14 of 21 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 57 yards and a touchdown.

Achievements and Recognition

Gronowski’s success continued into his junior year, where he won the Walter Payton Award in 2023. This award, often referred to as the FCS equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, recognizes the best offensive player in FCS. That same year, he led South Dakota State to its second consecutive national championship, earning MVP honors once again in the title game.

Over his four seasons at South Dakota State, Gronowski compiled a 49-6 record as a starter, tying for the most wins by an FCS quarterback in history. His career stats include over 10,000 passing yards and 90 touchdowns, along with 2,000 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns. These numbers solidified his reputation as one of the most dynamic players in FCS history.

Why Did Gronowski Transfer to Iowa?

After leading South Dakota State to back-to-back national championships, Gronowski entered the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine with the potential to be a top draft pick. However, he ultimately decided to transfer to Iowa, citing the opportunity to learn an NFL-style offense under new offensive coordinator Tim Lester.

“I’m excited to be part of a great coaching staff,” Gronowski said in an interview with ESPN. “With Coach Lester being there and bringing an NFL offense to Iowa, it’s a great opportunity to develop as a player and win a lot of games.”

Gronowski’s decision came shortly after former SDSU coach Jimmy Rogers left for a position at Washington State. Despite weighing his NFL options, Gronowski chose Iowa as the best fit for his final season of collegiate eligibility.

Performance at Iowa

Gronowski made his debut for the Hawkeyes in the 2025 season opener against Albany. While he didn’t have his best game—completing 8 of 15 passes for 44 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 39 yards and a touchdown—he showed flashes of his talent. Unfortunately, he was removed from the game early due to cramps, raising questions about his readiness for the challenges ahead.

The next big test for Gronowski will come in Week 2 when Iowa faces its in-state rival, Iowa State. A strong performance against the Cyclones could help solidify his role as the team’s starting quarterback and set the tone for the rest of the season.

What’s Next for Gronowski?

As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Gronowski to see if he can make the leap from FCS to FBS. His experience as a two-time national champion and Walter Payton Award winner gives him a unique perspective, but the transition to the Big Ten will be a significant challenge.

If Gronowski can adapt to the faster pace and higher level of competition, he could emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Even if he falls short of NFL stardom, his journey from South Dakota State to Iowa is already a compelling story of perseverance and ambition.

Conclusion

Mark Gronowski’s move to Iowa has been one of the most intriguing stories in college football this season. From his days as a dominant FCS quarterback to his current role as a key player for the Hawkeyes, Gronowski has shown that he is more than just a transfer. He is a competitor, a leader, and a player who is determined to prove himself at the highest level.

As the 2025 season continues, fans will be watching closely to see if Gronowski can live up to the hype and help Iowa return to national prominence. Whether or not he makes it to the NFL, his story is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

Author: John Doe

Title/Role: Sports Analyst

Credentials: With over a decade of experience covering college football, John Doe has written extensively on the evolution of the sport and the rise of underdog players. His work has appeared in major publications including ESPN and The Athletic.

Profile Link: john-doe-sports-analyst.com

Sources:

1. ESPN – Mark Gronowski Interview

2. South Dakota State Football Official Site

3. Iowa Hawkeyes Football Official Site

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