Quick Read
- Mark Gronowski played his final college game for Iowa in the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl against Vanderbilt.
- He escaped a near sack to rush 44 yards, leading to Iowa’s first touchdown.
- Gronowski’s career included standout seasons at South Dakota State before transferring to Iowa.
Mark Gronowski’s college football journey came to a dramatic close on December 31, 2025, at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. Taking the field as Iowa’s starting quarterback in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Vanderbilt, Gronowski gave fans a final highlight to remember: a gutsy 44-yard scramble that transformed a near sack into a game-changing play. On Iowa’s first third down, with defenders closing in, Gronowski saw a narrow escape route and bolted, weaving past Commodores to set up the Hawkeyes’ first touchdown just moments later. That single play was a microcosm of his career—improvisational, determined, and unafraid to take risks when it mattered most.
Gronowski’s performance wasn’t just about one dazzling run. Midway through the first quarter, his stat line read 1-for-2 passing for 6 yards and that lone, electrifying rush for 44 yards. But if you zoom out, the numbers across his college years reveal a quarterback who delivered under pressure, adapted to new environments, and battled back from adversity.
Before joining Iowa, Gronowski was already a proven leader at South Dakota State. His 2024 season saw him complete 206 of 338 passes for 2,721 yards, notching 23 touchdowns against 7 interceptions, and adding 380 rushing yards with 10 more scores. The year before, he passed for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, with only 5 picks—a model of consistency and smart decision-making. Even in 2022, he threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns, supplementing the aerial attack with over 400 yards on the ground.
There were setbacks too. In 2021, Gronowski missed the season due to injury—a harsh interruption for any athlete. But he returned to form, showing resilience and hunger. His 2020 campaign at South Dakota State, as a freshman, featured 1,584 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 577 rushing yards with 7 scores. These stats underscore a dual-threat capability that would later shine in the Big Ten spotlight.
Transferring to Iowa for his final season, Gronowski brought experience and leadership to the Hawkeyes. In 2025, he completed 150 of 240 passes for 1,529 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions—solid if not spectacular. But it was on the ground that he truly excelled, rushing 120 times for 491 yards and 15 touchdowns. When Iowa needed a spark, as in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Gronowski was the one to deliver.
The game itself was a showcase of both teams’ grit. While Gronowski’s run set the tone, running back Kamari Moulton quickly capitalized with a rushing touchdown, putting Iowa on the board. Tight end DJ Vonnahme and kicker Drew Stevens added their own moments, but Gronowski’s leadership and ability to extend plays stood out. Each snap, each scramble, was a testament to his football IQ and poise under duress.
Images from the bowl capture Gronowski in action—dodging tackles, handing off to Moulton, and scanning the field for open receivers. The rhythm of the game was punctuated by his mobility, forcing Vanderbilt’s defense to adapt on the fly. When the Hawkeyes needed to convert, Gronowski’s decision-making and athleticism proved decisive.
It’s easy to focus on the statistics, but Mark Gronowski’s legacy at the collegiate level is about more than numbers. It’s about the intangibles: resilience after injury, adapting to new systems, and leading his teams to high-stakes moments. His journey from South Dakota State to Iowa is a story of growth and adaptability—never letting setbacks define him, always striving for one more highlight.
As the final whistle sounded in Tampa, Gronowski closed the book on his college career with a signature play and a stat sheet that reflects years of hard work. For Iowa fans, his brief tenure brought excitement and hope. For Gronowski, it was the culmination of a path marked by challenge and triumph, a fitting end to a memorable chapter in college football.
Mark Gronowski’s last game for Iowa was more than just a statistical footnote; it was a reminder of how a single play can define a career. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience and versatility, showing future quarterbacks that the real magic happens when you refuse to go down without a fight.
Sources: Des Moines Register, Hawk Central