South Dakota State QB transfer Mark Gronowski takes visit to Iowa

IOWA CITY — Iowa football has its sights set on another quarterback in the transfer portal.

South Dakota State quarterback transfer Mark Gronowski is taking a visit to Iowa, he told ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Gronowski led the Jackrabbits to two FCS national championships and was the 2023 recipient of the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the best offensive player at the FCS level. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

The Naperville, Ill., native completed 60.9 percent of his passes this season with 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His statistically best season was in 2023, when he completed 68.1 percent of his passes with 29 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Gronowski played against Iowa in 2022 and completed a mere 10-of-26 passes for 87 yards. He completed 65.2 percent of his passes that year, though, with 26 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Iowa added ex-Auburn quarterback Hank Brown via the transfer portal last month, but the Hawkeyes have indicated a desire to continue adding to the quarterback position. Brendan Sullivan appears to be the top quarterback currently on the roster, followed by Brown, Jackson Stratton, Jimmy Sullivan and Ryan Fitzgerald.

“We’re always looking to see what opportunities we have to continue to build the room,” offensive coordinator Tim Lester said ahead of the Music City Bowl. “We still don’t have enough in there. … If the right person comes along that we think fits our culture and Iowa, then we’ll definitely go after them.”

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com

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