Kirk Ferentz had nothing but positive things to say about his team during the 2025 Iowa Football Media Days over the weekend.
The head football coach spoke to the media of the weekend and discussed multiple storylines surround his team before the start of the 2025-2026 season.
Ferentz has been impressed with the work ethic and attitude of the group, and they have stayed strong since January.
Ferentz also stated that he believes they have a better supporting cast going into this season, but the coaching staff is taking a close look at every position, and it will be a fluid process throughout the season.
The media representatives bombarded Ferentz with a wide variety of topics, but here are the three main takeaways from this weekend's media days.
Mark Gronowski continues to improve
Everyone has been talking about Mark Gronowski since he transferred to Iowa from South Dakota State in January, and those discussions have ramped up after he became fully healthy and able to practice with the team.
He was seen during the first few days of fall practice dropping dimes to teammates on short and long throws, and is increasing fans' excitement for the season to start.
Ferentz stated that Mark is looking more comfortable, and everyone around him is getting more comfortable with him. Gronowski has taken great strides in being a leader of the offense.
Ferentz also said that he a capable runner who can tuck it and keep his eyes down field, but can also make all the throws.
He mentioned that Gronowski made some throws that made you go like, oh, really?
Even though he did not officially say it, Ferentz implied that Mark will be the starter with Hank Brown, and Jeremy Hecklinski slotting in as backups.
Offensive line positions are wide open
In typical coach speak, Ferentz did not nail down who would be the starters across the offensive line, and stated that it is still a work in progress.
He named multiple guys who have been close to earning more playing time over the years, including Jack Dotzler and Trevor Lauck.
Ferentz is adamant that guys always get better when they stay in the program and work hard.
He also mentioned transfer Bryce Hawthorne by name, and said he has been a little slow to start, but has been working his butt off to succeed.
Ferentz sees a healthy competition for the open spots on the offensive line, and is semi-optimistic heading into the season.
The cornerback group is banged up
The secondary last season was an obvious weak spot for the Hawkeye defense. The defensive line and the linebackers were solid, but the Hawkeyes gave up more chunk plays in the passing game than they had in previous years.
Heading into next season, the secondary must improve for the Hawkeye defense to return to form.
When he was asked about the cornerbacks, Ferentz noted that multiple guys have suffered injuries during camp. Those players include TJ Hall and Jaylen Watson. Hall is projected to be a starter next season.
Ferentz noted that even though they have suffered injuries, it has given them the opportunity to evaluate some of the younger guys on the roster as well as a few of the transfers they brought in.
Overall, Ferentz stated he is not worried and once they get healthy and improve, the group will be fine.
The 2025-2026 college football season is just around the corner, and the Iowa Football Media Days signals we are getting close.