Report: Iowa to start QB Mark Gronowski in opener

Iowa will start graduate transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski in the season opener on Aug. 30 against Albany, On3.com reported on Tuesday afternoon.
Gronowski, who had offseason shoulder surgery that caused him to miss spring practice with his new team, was a highly decorated player on the FCS level at South Dakota State.
The FCS Player of the Year in 2023, Gronowski won two national titles with the Jackrabbits (2022, 2023). He had a 49-6 record as a starter and passed for 10,330 yards, 93 touchdowns and 20 interceptions and rushed for 1,767 yards and 37 scores.
Last season, Gronowski threw for 2,721 yards and 23 touchdowns against seven interceptions. He considered putting his name in for the NFL draft after entering the transfer portal.
The Hawkeyes are seeking stability at quarterback after inconsistency from former starters Cade McNamara, now a graduate transfer at East Tennessee State, and Brendan Sullivan, who transferred to Tulane. Iowa went 8-5, 6-3 in the Big Ten and lost to Missouri in the Music City Bowl.
Also in the mix this season at quarterback for the Hawkeyes are Hank Brown, a sophomore transfer who made two starts in 2024 for Auburn, and redshirt freshman Jeremy Hecklinski, who took a total of three snaps for Wake Forest last season.