Mark Gronowski plans to enter the transfer portal. I repeat, one of the greatest quarterbacks in FCS history may not be done yet. Or is he? Here’s everything we know about the South Dakota State’s uncertain future.
Where Will Mark Gronowski Transfer?
While Gronowski is expected to put his name in the portal, he’s also 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.”
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Whether Gronowski joins the NFL lottery or departs for an FBS program, he’ll finish with 49 wins as a starter at South Dakota State, tied for the most all-time at the FCS level.
He led the Jackrabbits to back-to-back national titles (2022 and 2023), won the Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the FCS (2023), and has 10,330 passing yards and 93 touchdowns to his name.
Washington State Cougars
This is Gronowski’s most likely landing spot, and it’s not really close.
The Washington State Cougars hired his head coach, Jimmy Rogers, to a five-year deal on Saturday, Dec. 29. “Rogers is a defensive guy, so there’s no guarantee Gronowski follows him.” Well, Rogers is expected to bring his “whole staff” with him, presumably including OC Ryan Olson and co-OC/QBs coach Danny Freund.
Just call them the Washington State Jackrabbits.
Iowa Hawkeyes
The Power Four could come calling for Gronowski’s services, and the Iowa Hawkeyes should be among them.
Cade McNamara is in the portal, leaving the program with Brendan Sullivan and Jackson Stratton as its two QB options. No, thank you. That’s the definition of “We have a QB at home.”
Gronowski fits the city’s blue-collar identity and instantly raises the offense’s floor due to his dual-threat skill set.
Northern Illinois Huskies
If Gronowski wants to play close to home, there is really only one option left: the Northern Illinois Huskies. DeKalb is just a 44-minute drive from Gronowski’s hometown of Naperville, Ill., and the path to playing time is clear with Ethan Hampton now at Illinois.
It would also be a rather seamless fit scheme-wise, with the Huskies owning a similar run-heavy approach to the Jackrabbits.
USC Trojans
This landing spot largely depends on Lincoln Riley’s belief in Jayden Maiava. Miller Moss left for the Louisville Cardinals, but he was replaced by Maiava down the stretch of the season.
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If Riley isn’t keen on tying his job to Maiava, he could opt to bring in Gronowski. The Trojans offer the midwest QB a chance to prove his mettle in the Big Ten while also showcasing his skill set in a more pass-happy offense, which could improve his draft stock.
Miami Hurricanes
One of the more longshot landing spots is the Miami Hurricanes. Mario Cristobal and Co. are no strangers to attacking the transfer portal talent, landing both Cam Ward and Reese Poffenburger at the QB position last offseason.
Rising sophomore Emory Williams is still on the roster, but with Ward a likely first-round pick and Poffenburger joining the North Texas Mean Green, the ‘Canes should add another talented body to the QB room.
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