The Iowa quarterback room has been a hot topic of discussion since the 2024-2025 football season finished. During media availability, Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz has not committed to a QB1, but transfer Mark Gronowski is considered the front-runner for the starting position.
After starring for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits for four years, Gronowski transferred to Iowa as a graduate transfer. Gronowski compiled 10,330 passing yards and 93 touchdowns and rushed for 1,767 yards and 37 touchdowns in his Jackrabbits' career.
After arriving in Iowa City, Gronowski revealed he played most of the past season with an injury to his throwing shoulder. He had offseason surgery to repair the injury. During his rehab, Iowa has four quarterbacks competing for starting repetitions.
On Friday night, one of those quarterbacks entered the transfer portal.
— Brendan Sullivan (@bsully02) April 12, 2025
Iowa's starting quarterback from the latter part of 2024 has entered the transfer portal. Brendan Sullivan announced he is re-entering the transfer portal after spending a year with the Hawkeyes.
Sullivan joined the Hawkeyes after his 2023-2024 season with the Northwestern Wildcats. Before joining the Hawkeyes, Sullivan threw for 1,303 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 257 yards and three touchdowns in 13 appearances for the Wildcats.
After taking over for injured starter Cade McNamara, Sullivan was a breath of fresh air for Hawkeye fans. The Iowa offense took a step forward after Sullivan took over under center. His dual-threat ability opened up a playbook that is geared toward stationary quarterbacks.
During his brief stint in Iowa City, Sullivan threw for 475 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions and rushed for 150 yards and four touchdowns.
During the offseason, Iowa dipped into the transfer portal to add two quarterbacks (Mark Gronowski and Hank Brown) and welcomed freshman Jimmy Sullivan to the quarterback room that had Brendan Sullivan and Jackson Stratton returning.
Sullivan transfers after projected starter Mark Gronowski is ahead of his rehab and ready to lead the Hawkeyes as QB1 next season.