Not many transfers in Iowa program history have had as big of an impact as Mark Gronowski.
The Hawkeyes have always found players who can supplement the squad they already have, but very few players have come in and made an immediate impact.
The program and the fan base were on cloud nine after learning that Gronowski was transferring in from South Dakota State.
Gronowski cemented himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 transfer class, but Iowa fans had to wait for an extended period of time to see their new QB1 in action.
Gronowski suffered a shoulder injury during his final season with South Dakota State, causing him to miss all of spring ball rehabbing the injury.
When Gronowski finally took the field, it was clear from the beginning that he was going to give the offense a new dimension.
There were a lot of ups and downs for the Iowa offense this season, but Gronowski remained a calming force under center and guided Iowa to a nine-win season.
Even tough he was only in Iowa City for one year, his time with the program made a lasting impact.
Mark Gronowski on his one year at Iowa:
— Brad Schultz (@BradMSchultz) December 31, 2025
"This is one of the universities that I always looked up to and was watching as a kid. ...There's so many memories I'm going to have. The fans have been awesome. I wouldn't trade this opportunity for the world."
During Gronowski's reflection on his only season with the Iowa program, he stated that this was a program he always looked up to and watched as a kid.
He followed that by saying he has made so many memories, and the fans have been awesome. He would not trade this opportunity for the world.
Gronowski created a ton of memories not only for himself, but for the fans as well.
We knew Gronowski could use his legs to extend plays, but we did not know how proficient a runner he could be when called upon.
Gronowski's ability to run between the tackles and explode through the middle of the offensive line is something most quarterbacks do, and it often electrified his teammates and the fans.
He left the Iowa program with two new program records, including the most rushing yards for a quarterback in a single season and the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season.
After the ReliaQuest Bowl, he finished with 545 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns.
It wasn't only the records that captured the hearts of Iowa fans, but his hard work, determination, and leadership.
Gronowski pushed through injuries, learned a brand new offense, fought through a limited passing attack, and still managed to guide the Hawkeyes to nine wins.
Gronowski will always be remembered during his short stint in the black and gold.