One of the biggest questions surrounding the Iowa Football program during spring practice is the health and progression of quarterback Mark Gronowski. Before joining the Hawkeyes, Gronowski spent four years with the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
While at South Dakota State, Gronowski threw for 10,330 yards and 93 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,767 yards and 37 touchdowns. He also won two FCS National Championships and tied an FCS record with 49 career wins.
Gronowski decided to transfer to Iowa as a graduate transfer to complete his Master's Degree in mechanical engineering and his football career in Iowa City.
Shortly after arriving in Iowa City, it was announced that Gronowski would undergo surgery to repair a shoulder injury he suffered last season with the Jackrabbits. The timeline for his rehab is unknown, but he was seen lightly throwing at Thursday's spring practice.
He spoke to the media for the first time following Thursday's practice.
QB1 Mark Gronowski is ahead of his shoulder rehab. Already lightly throwing.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) April 10, 2025
“Embraces” the challenge and role of being a Big Ten QB pic.twitter.com/LL2KigzngX
During his post-practice media availability, Gronowski was asked multiple questions regarding his first impressions of Iowa and about his rehab.
Gronowski said he was impressed by Iowa's winning culture and how similar it was to the culture at South Dakota State. He had other offers in the transfer portal, but Iowa was the best fit. He also noted having some "weird, small-world relationships" has helped him.
He stated he knew a quarterback who played with Jimmy Sullivan in high school and also worked with a quarterbacks coach who was Brendan Sullivan's coach at Northwestern. Those relationships, coupled with the one he is forming with offensive coordinator Tim Lester, has helped him.
Gronowski excited the media members when he gave an update on his rehab. He noted he feels great physically and mentally. Right now, he is focused on getting the mental repetitions, such as timing and schemes.
He feels he is ahead of schedule, but is taking the rehab day by day. He got more than a few smiles when he stated he began lightly throwing during Thursday's spring practice, and he felt great afterward.
"I'm feeling great, ahead of schedule. Going to keep getting better physically and mentally."Mark Gronowski, Iowa Quarterback
Gronowski noted he has been throwing here and there and will be 100 percent by June 1.
Get excited, Iowa fans! Your QB1 is ahead of schedule and aims to prove how versatile he can be for the Iowa offense.