South Dakota State transfer WR Griffin Wilde commits to Northwestern

South Dakota State star receiver Griffin Wilde has committed to Northwestern, he announced Saturday afternoon on Twitter.

“Found a new home! Let’s get to work!” Griffin Wilde posted.

Found a new home! Let’s get to work! @DavidBraunFB @CoachLujan @ArmonBinns pic.twitter.com/IfO18yfdQB

— Griffin Wilde (@GriffinWilde1) January 4, 2025

Griffin Wilde had an incredible season for SDSU this year, catching 70 passes for 1,147 yards and 12 touchdowns. Louisville and Washington State were among the teams also interested in Wilde, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

Wilde spent two seasons with the Jackrabbits, and he was also a key contributor as a true freshman in 2023. That season at South Dakota State he had 20 receptions for 399 yards and six touchdowns.

He ranked fifth on the SDSU team in receptions, fourth in receiving yards and third in touchdowns.

Griffin Wilde is joining a Northwestern team that is coming off of a 4-8 (2-7 season in 2024).

Prior to playing at South Dakota State, Wilde attended Jefferson High in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He combined to catch 100 passes for 1,858 yards and 22 touchdowns during his junior and senior seasons, while also contributing on special teams and defense.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

South Dakota State QB Mark Gronowski also entered NCAA Transfer Portal

In addition to Griffin Wilde, South Dakota State also lost quarterback Mark Gronowski to the NCAA Transfer Portal.

After spending four seasons at SDSU, Gronowski will have one year of eligibility remaining. He is also reportedly considering entering the 2025 NFL Draft.

“I’m trying to weigh all my options to do what’s best for me and my career,” Gronowski told ESPN. “I’m confident in what I can do in the NFL. If there’s opportunities that help my family, I’ll change my mind. It’s doing what’s best for me and my long-term interest overall.”

In the 2024 campaign, Gronowski completed 60.9% of his pass attempts for 2,721 yards and 23 touchdowns while throwing seven interceptions. He recorded 380 yards and 10 scores in the ground game, as well.

In his four years at SDSU, Mark Gronowski has amassed 55 appearances, tallying 10,330 passing yards, 1,767 rushing yards, 93 passing touchdowns and 37 rushing scores.

For his efforts, he’s hauled in a boatload of awards, including the 2023 Walter Payton Award, annually given to the most outstanding offensive player in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision.

Gronowski played high school football at Neuqua Valley (IL), where he was an unranked prospect, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

While Gronowski is on NFL scouts’ radars this season, a final year at a more prominent program could solidify his position as a legitimate professional prospect. Quarterback Cam Ward was in a similar situation last offseason and ultimately transferred to Miami from Washington State to add one more year to his résume.