Iowa football QB Mark Gronowski ranks as one of ESPN's top NFL draft prospects
Iowa football QB Mark Gronowski ranks as one of ESPN's top NFL draft prospects
Whether it is fair or not, the 2025 Iowa Hawkeyes football season is beginning to look like it is going to see its success rest on the shoulders of the offense once again. A trend that has become commonplace for Iowa with their stout defense, the offense continues to be the biggest question mark.
Iowa improved last year and enters the second year with Tim Lester calling plays, which should only continue to see the offense open up more and gain traction. Leading his offense is proven talent Mark Gronowski, a quarterback transfer from South Dakota State.
While Mark Gronowski chose to join the Hawkeyes, he had NFL interest last year and could have taken the leap to go pro with a likely chance to make a roster. Despite snubbing the NFL last year, he still finds himself ranked as one of ESPN's top NFL QB draft prospects in the 2026 draft.
Mark Gronowski, Iowa
Gronowski had a historic career at South Dakota State, leading the Jackrabbits to two national championships and tying for the most-ever wins (49) for an FCS starting quarterback. He flirted with entering the 2025 NFL draft and even got an invite to the combine but decided to go to Iowa, whose offense showed improvement in 2024. The 6-3, 230-pounder is a densely built passer who can also make plays with his legs. - Jordan Reid, ESPN
Gronowski's dual-threat ability makes him unique and intriguing to NFL teams, as his speed, arm talent, and rushing ability, paired with his big frame, is a mix that is not often found.
If Tim Lester can unlock the same dual-threat ability that Gronowski displayed for the Jackrabbits, where he won two national championships at the FCS level, the Hawkeyes instantly get an upgrade at the quarterback position with arguably their best talent at the spot in the last half-decade.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
33 minutes ago
- USA Today
Texas A&M Softball adds depth, eyes return to host Regionals in 2026
Texas A&M's softball season came to an abrupt end in the Bryan-College Station Regional, despite being picked as one of the favorites to reach the NCAA Women's College World Series. To add insult to injury, SEC newcomer Texas won its first World Series in program history while A&M watched from home. After some time for reflection, which Coach Ford admitted was difficult, she knew she needed to hit the portal to replace lost production and solidify the infield. In a surprise to fans, Texas A&M star utility player Amari Harper entered the portal for her final season. Harper, one of the last recruits from Jo Evans who remained after Ford took over, understandably wanted to test the waters. Outside of Harper, the Aggies had a relatively quiet portal season with only a few departures. Coach Ford, however, is focused on improvement, bringing in a handful of talented players that include an NCAA career leader in saves and a Golden Glove winner. Below are the current transfers Aggie fans can expect to see at Davis Diamond for the 2026 season. Taylor Pannell - LHP - Missouri Micaela Wark - DP/IF - Oklahoma State Tallen Edwards - UTL - Oklahoma State Maya Bland - OF - Oklahoma Paislie Allen - IF - Georgia This is an absolute haul by Coach Ford, addressing several key needs. If she can add one more pitcher, this group could be viewed as the perfect core to help the Aggies return to regional host status and potentially fuel another run at a Women's College World Series appearance. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Daily News & Links: Steelers Will Have a Special Release; Terry Bradshaw Goes Off on TSA at Airport
FILE - Fox commentator Terry Bradshaw is sen before the NFC Championship NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers on Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. On Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, Bradshaw said that he has been treated for two forms of cancer in the past year. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) Steelers Daily News & Links: Your daily stop for all of the news and links. 🏈 The Pittsburgh Steelers will be making a special announcement next week. Many believe it will be the release of a new Terrible Towel to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its creation. 🏈 A video of Terry Bradshaw complaining about the 'ridiculous' treatment at the airport went viral on social media. 🏈 T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith were tabbed as the best edge rusher duo in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. 🏈 Steel City Star posted a clip of Bill Cowher in 1985 talking about Louis Lipps. This was seven years before Cowher became Steelers head coach. 🏈 Rodgers was spotted alone on the beach in Southern California on Thursday. 🏈 Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schnieder provided details on the DK Metcalf trade to the Steelers this offseason. Schnieder said 'Pittsburgh was really aggressive' during the process. 🏈 Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III called out Stephen A. Smith for his degrading comments about the city of Memphis. Austin is a Memphis native and played his college ball at the University of Memphis. Advertisement Smith ripped the city of Memphis, stating that NBA players are hesitant to play for the Memphis Grizzlies due to safety concerns related to crime. 🏈 To conclude the Steelers rookie community week, the 2025 rookies visited with the Mel Blount Youth Camp to participate in team-building activities and football drills with kids. 🏈 With the addition of All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, Ryan Clark believes the Ravens can go all the way in 2025. 'If the Ravens stay healthy in the most important positions they should win the whole dang thing!' Clark wrote on X. STEELERS NOW CONTENT FROM JUNE 19 🏈 Should the Steelers Trade T.J. Watt? A Closer Look at a Bold Idea Advertisement 🏈 Steelers Release Versatile, Veteran Running Back 🏈 Former Steelers QB Enters Coaching Ranks: 'I Thought This Would Be a Great Challenge' 🏈 Insider Reveals Big Reason Why There's a Delay in T.J. Watt's Contract with Steelers 🏈 PFF Tabs Steelers with One of Worst WR Corps in NFL NEWS FROM AROUND THE SPORTS NOW NETWORK Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Crosby vs. McDavid; Sid Made Changes to Win, Can Oilers Avoid Catastrophe? Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Perrotto: Dennis Santana Deserves a Mulligan Pittsburgh Sports Now: WATCH: Reaction to PA Not Instituting a High School Shot Clock West Virginia Sports Now: WVU Football Becomes Latest Offer for 2027 4-Star Florida TE Advertisement Nittany Sports Now: Tyler Warren Awarded Penn State's Big Ten Medal of Honor Pittsburgh Soccer Now: 'A Stage of a Lifetime': USWNT and NWSL legend, Pittsburgh area native Meghan Klingenberg announces retirement This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Daily News & Links: Steelers Will Have a Special Release; Terry Bradshaw Goes Off on TSA at Airport Related Headlines
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Mike Evans Reveals His Take on Bengals Star Ja'Marr Chase
Mike Evans Reveals His Take on Bengals Star Ja'Marr Chase originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There's a new generation of receivers taking over the NFL, and they are quickly encroaching upon some of the players in league history. Advertisement Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson seems to set receiving records each season. In 2024, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase won the receiving triple crown. Fellow LSU alumni and New York Giants dynamo Malik Nabers wasn't too far behind despite bottom-barrel quarterbacking, and it seems like every offseason offers a new batch of studs to choose from. And yet, none of them hold a candle to Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran Mike Evans' production. Only Jerry Rice has as many consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (11) as Evans, and the greatest receiver to ever live is the only player with more quadruple-digit campaigns. Nobody is touching that mark any time soon; it's a matter of circumstance, luck, and a whole lot of talent. If anyone is going to break it, Chase and his connection with quarterback Joe Burrow might have the best chance. Advertisement The Buccaneers legend revealed his take on Chase in an interview with Greg Auman. 'Ja'Marr Chase. He's a guy where if you said he was better than me — I don't think anybody's better than me — but if you said him, I would understand,' Evans said. There's a very real chance that Chase's peak is greater than Evans'. The latter has never led the league in receiving or receptions. Chase did so in 2024. He also picked up a first-team All-Pro selection this past season, something Evans hasn't done through his 11-year career. For what it's worth, Chase has a long way to go to match Evans' streak of 11 seasons. He's logged at least 1,000 yards in his first four seasons. The aforementioned Burrow certainly helps his chances, as does a running mate in receiver Tee Higgins who takes some attention away. Chase will have to stay healthy to hit those marks, but few will doubt his ability to produce those kinds of seasons. Advertisement Perhaps Evans' ability to remain consistent with Jameis Winston, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Baker Mayfield, and a host of other passers makes his record even more impressive. Chase will hope to take one step closer to Evans this year, although Cincinnati and Tampa Bay won't play in the 2025 regular season. Related: Bengals Pro Bowl Tackle Remains Confident Despite Offseason Distractions Related: 'Lucky' Bengals Found Gem in Sixth-Round RB This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
