What a final college football season for senior signal caller Mark Gronowski.
His tenure in Iowa City started off a little rocky after missing most of spring and early summer practices while rehabbing a shoulder injury, but he quickly proved his worth.
In seven months, Gronowski had to acclimate to a new program, a new offensive system, a new city, and new teammates, and he took it all in stride.
Before the season began, he was voted a captain by his teammates and gave the program the stability under center it had not had in over five years.
Gronowski capped off his first and only season with the Iowa program with a victory over No. 14 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl, where he was named the MVP.
In the win over Vanderbilt, Gronowski tallied 212 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air, while adding 54 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
After the conclusion of the 2025 season for the Hawkeyes, Gronowski accepted an invitation to a senior showcase event to put his skills on display one last time.
WELCOME TO THE AMERICAN BOWL! 🇺🇸
— The American Bowl (@TheAmericanBowl) January 1, 2026
Mark Gronowski from @HawkeyeFootball has officially accepted his invitation to the 2026 American Bowl, where the nation’s top senior talent comes together to compete, represent their programs, and honor those who serve.
Next stop: Orlando 🇺🇸🏈… pic.twitter.com/pq5r86S6q0
Gronowski accepted an invitation to the 2026 American Bowl, an event exclusively for seniors that honors not only the players but also the members of the United States armed forces and veterans.
The game brings together the top senior talent to compete, represent their college programs, and honor all those who have served.
The American Bowl takes place on Thursday, January 22, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time at Victory Field in Lakeland, Florida, and will be broadcast live on the NFL Network.
The 2026 American Bowl is the first ever game in the newly-created game's history.