Mark Gronowski

NFL Draft Profile: Mark Gronowski

Position: Quarterback | School: Iowa (via South Dakota State) | Class: Graduate

Height: 6'3" | Weight: 235 lbs | Archetype: Game Manager / Dual-Threat

College Career Summary

Mark Gronowski is arguably the most accomplished winner in modern college football history. Before transferring to Iowa for the 2025 season, he led South Dakota State to back-to-back FCS National Championships (2022, 2023) and won the Walter Payton Award (the FCS Heisman). He finished his time in the FCS with a staggering 49-6 record as a starter.

In 2025, Gronowski made the jump to the Big Ten to prove his game translated to the highest level. While Iowa’s passing attack remained statistically modest, Gronowski revolutionized the offense with his legs. He set a school record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game (130 vs. Penn State) and led the Big Ten in rushing touchdowns for a QB with 15. He leaves college as the winningest starting quarterback in NCAA history with 57 career victories.

2025 Season Statistical Highlights

• Passing Yards: 1,529

• Completion %: 62.5%

• Touchdowns: 8 Passing, 15 Rushing (plus 1 Receiving)

• Interceptions: 6

• Rushing Yards: 491

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Cmp/Att, Yds, TD/INT)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs UAlbany	8/15, 44 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	B-	Shaky passing debut but added a rushing TD to secure the win.
4	@ Rutgers	12/18, 186 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT	A	Ground Dominance. Scored 3 rushing TDs; most by an Iowa QB since 1990.
5	vs #11 Indiana	19/25, 144 Yds, 0 TD/1 INT	B	Efficient passing before a knee injury sidelined him in the 4th.
7	@ Wisconsin	17/24, 107 Yds, 0 TD/1 INT	B+	Managed a 37-0 shutout road win; prioritized ball control.
8	vs #24 Penn St	10/16, 68 Yds, 0 TD/1 INT	A-	The Record. 130 rushing yards (school record for QB) and 2 TDs.
10	vs #9 Oregon	10/18, 138 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	B	Kept the game close; scored one passing and one rushing TD.
11	@ #17 USC	12/19, 132 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	A	The Triple Threat. Threw, ran, and caught a TD in the same game.
12	vs Michigan St	12/22, 147 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	B+	Threw his 100th career TD pass in a come-from-behind win.

NFL Scouting Report

Strengths

• Championship Pedigree: 57 career wins and two rings. He is a proven leader who understands how to manage games and win in high-pressure environments.

• Red Zone Weapon: At 235 lbs, he is a "power" runner. His 15 rushing TDs in the Big Ten prove he is one of the most effective goal-line QBs in the draft class.

• Prototypical Build: He has a dense, sturdy frame that allows him to absorb hits and remain durable—a key trait for a dual-threat prospect.

• Decision Making: While his passing volume was low at Iowa, his 101:26 career TD-to-INT ratio across all levels shows elite care for the football.

Weaknesses

• Passing Volume & Production: Iowa’s system limited his ability to show off a vertical passing game. Scouts worry about his ability to win purely with his arm at the NFL level.

• Deep Ball Accuracy: He can struggle to stretch the field consistently, with his yards-per-attempt (6.4) ranking near the bottom of Power Four starters in 2025.

• Adjusting to NFL Speed: While he thrived in the FCS and was solid in the Big Ten, there are questions about whether his processing speed can match the rapid windows of the NFL.

Scheme Fit

• Primary Fit: Power-Run / RPO System. He would be an exceptional developmental backup for a team like the Buffalo Bills or Philadelphia Eagles, where his size and rushing ability can be utilized in specific packages.

Scout's Final Word

"Mark Gronowski is the definition of a 'football player.' He won't blow you away with 350-yard passing games, but he is a winner who finds a way to move the sticks. His 2025 season at Iowa proved he could handle elite physical defenses. He projects as a Round 6–7 pick or High-Priority UDFA with the ceiling of a long-term NFL backup (Taysom Hill-lite)."