Spring practices have finished, and the spring transfer portal window is closed. The Iowa Football program made nine additions through the portal, one of the lowest amounts among Big Ten teams.
On3 Sports has currently ranked the Iowa transfer class as No. 15 (No. 57 overall) in the Big Ten.
Here are the top three transfers that will impact Iowa the most next season.
No.1 Mark Gronowski, quarterback (South Dakota State)
To say Iowa has had shaky quarterback play since Nate Stanley (2019) is a massive understatement. The Hawkeyes have had seven starting quarterbacks sinc Stanley, including Spencer Petras (2020-2022), Alex Padilla (2021-2022), Joey Labas (2022), Cade McNamara (2023-2024), Deacon Hill (2023-2024), Brendan Sullivan (2024), and Jackson Stratton (2024).
A large part of the ineffective quarterback play was due to the offensive coordinator, Brian Ferentz, and the program's inability to develop quarterbacks.
Under Brian's tutelage, the Hawkeyes never ranked higher than No. 87 (2020) in the country in yards per play, No. 78 (2019) in completion percentage, and No. 40 (2020) in points per game. After Offensive Coordinator Tim Lester's first season, Iowa ranked No. 72 in the nation in scoring.
Mark Gronowski gives the Hawkeyes the best quarterback they have had since Stanley, and maybe even Ricky Stanzi. To improve the offense, Iowa needed a proven gunslinger who could be a dual threat when called upon. Enter, Gronowski.
Before joining the Hawkeyes, Gronowski was the starting quarterback for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. During his four-year career with South Dakota State, he tallied 10,330 passing yards and 93 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,767 yards and 37 touchdowns.
He has made 55 career starts, winning 49 (FCS record). He also won two FCS National Championship titles and was named the FCS Heisman in 2023.
When discussing Gronowski, Iowa legend Brad Banks comes to mind. There is no possibility that he touches Banks' numbers with only one season of remaining eligibility, but the athletic comparisons are similar.
At his worst, Gronowski can provide Sullivan-like running and Stanley-like passing for the Hawkeyes offense. He might not be ranked as the top quarterback recruit, but he will change minds after the 2025 season begins.
No. 2 Bryce George, offensive lineman (Ferris State)
Offensive lineman Bryce George from Division II Ferris State is an under-the-radar signing who can immediately impact the Iowa offensive line. George's resume speaks for itself.
During his career at Ferris State, the six-foot-five, 315-pound offensive lineman made 41 starts and guided the Bulldogs to three Division II National Championships. After the 2024 season, He was named a Division II First-Team selection.
After losing multiple starters and contributors on the offensive line, including 2025 NFL Draft picks Mason Richman (Seattle Seahawks) and Connor Colby (San Francisco 49ers), the offensive line has holes to fill.
George can slot in on either side of the line or provide depth and experience as a backup. The Hawkeyes excel at run blocking, and with George's big frame and athleticism, he can make an immediate impact.
No. 3 Jonah Pace, defensive line (Central Michigan)
The final spot in the top three rankings was a toss-up between edge rusher Jonah Pace and interior defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne. Pace was chosen because he is the projected starter at one of the end spots or defensive tackle. Both players will make contributions next season.
The Hawkeyes return three starters on the defensive line, including Aaron Graves, Ethan Hurkett, and Max Llewellyn. Hurkett and Llewellyn project as the starters at defensive end and Graves at defensive tackle.
Pace, a six-foot-five, 285-pound defensive end, came to Iowa after playing defensive end at Central Michigan. He projects as the starter at tackle, but his size and speed can cause disruptions from the tackle or end positions. If he can not adjust to the tackle position, Hawthorne can be the starter there, and he can move to the super substitution position.
The Hawkeyes did not dip heavily into the transfer portal, but these three players will have the most significant impact next season.