Iowa football QB Mark Gronowski receives deflating Big Ten ranking from On3
While the top of Staples' rankings was headlined by Penn State's Drew Allar at No. 1, Illinois' Luke Altmyer at No. 2, and Indiana's Fernando Mendoza at No. 3, Gronowski was given a very unappreciative spot of No. 10 on the list.
Given Gronowski's lore at the FCS-level, the No. 10 spot is quite a jab at the high-expectations Hawkeyes fans have for both the quarterback and offensive output this season.
6-foot-3, 230-pound signal caller transferred to Iowa from the FCS-level powerhouse South Dakota State in the offseason with one year of eligibility remaining and was a prized addition to the Hawkeyes, as he carries significant quarterback prestige.
During his time with the Jackrabbits, Gronowski passed for 10,308 yards and 93 touchdowns while holding a 63.5% completion percentage. His mobility with the football was also a strength, as he rushed for 1,767 career yards and 37 touchdowns.
He would finish his South Dakota State tenure with a 49-6 record as a starter, a two-time FCS National Champion and National Championship Game MVP, 2023 Walter Payton Award winner (given to the most outstanding FCS player), and a 2023 First-team FCS All-American.
While Iowa's offensive output has been hindered in years past by inadequate quarterback play and ineffective playcalling, the No. 10 ranking should serve as a motivator for both Gronowski and offensive coordinator Tim Lester as the Hawkeyes begin their 2025-26 campaign in late August.
Gronowski and the Hawkeyes open the season against FCS-level Albany on Aug. 30 from Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on FS1.
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 Scout on X: @SpringgateNews.
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