Mark Gronowski injury update: Iowa QB to miss significant time following surgery

Iowa quarterback signee Mark Gronowski will undergo surgery and miss significant time, head coach Kirk Ferentz announced Friday. He will not be able to throw until June as he recovers from his procedure.

Gronowski committed to the Hawkeyes out of the transfer portal and later signed after four years at South Dakota State. The school didn’t confirm the specific injury, but Ferentz said it was a “common” issue.

Unable to throw until June, Gronowski will miss spring practice as he recovers. However, Ferentz confirmed he will be part of other team activities as he joins the program.

“Mark played last season with a common football-related injury,” Ferentz said in a statement. “While he could have continued to play through the injury, Mark is choosing to have a procedure to address the issue, and we support him in his decision.

“Our sports medicine team thoroughly reviewed his records and has confidence he will be fully rehabbed in time to participate in our summer program. Mark will participate in all non-practice team activities while he recovers.”

A product of Naperville (Ill.) Neuqua Valley, Gronowski was one of the top quarterbacks at the FCS level during his time at South Dakota State. He threw for more than 10,000 yards over his four years with the Jackrabbits, including 2,721 yards this past season to go with 23 touchdowns. His best year came in 2023 when he threw for 3,058 yards and 29 touchdowns as SDSU defeated Montana for its second straight FCS national title.

Those numbers brought in plenty of honors for Gronowski, including the Walter Payton Award as the most outstanding player in FCS. He also led the FCS in passing efficiency and won his second straight Missouri Valley Football Conference Player of the Year award.

Mark Gronowski is one of five transfers coming into Iowa and the second quarterback of the group. Former Auburn quarterback Hank Brown is also coming in as the Hawkeyes bolster their quarterback room. He spent two years with the Tigers and made two starts in 2024, including an SEC matchup against Arkansas.

“We are happy to welcome these five players into our Hawkeye program,” Ferentz said. “I am most excited about how each player fits into our program and brings a skillset that benefits our team.”