Iowa football is getting ready to make a change at one of the most crucial positions on the field as the postseason approaches. With quarterback Mark Gronowski starting just one more game, the Hawkeyes’ season which was characterized more by perseverance and leadership than by spectacular passing numbers is coming to an end.
Gronowski left his mark despite the passing game never really finding its rhythm this year. Iowa’s offense greatly benefited from his toughness, command of the huddle, and ability to create with his legs. Although he finished the regular season with 1,529 passing yards and eight touchdown passes, his most significant contributions were made on the ground. Gronowski broke Iowa program records for both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season with 491 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Iowa now has to decide whether to develop internally or use the transfer portal as Gronowski approaches graduation. Although the staff hasn’t revealed itself yet, the roster already presents interesting options, and in today’s NIL-driven environment, outside assistance is always a possibility. The Hawkeyes have three viable options for the upcoming season. Jeremy Hecklinski is the top internal contender. Even though he didn’t play much this season, the coaching staff was obviously impressed by his consistent development behind the scenes. Iowa’s disappointing 20–15 loss to Indiana was the turning point in the depth chart story. Iowa had to use backup Hank Brown after Gronowski was hurt during a fourth-quarter scramble and was unable to return.
The outcome showed that Brown was put in a harsh situation against one of the best defensive teams in the country. Iowa was unable to complete the upset attempt after he only completed five of thirteen passes and threw an interception. There was no need for a backup to play significant snaps for a few weeks after that. However, Hecklinski, not Brown, took the field for mop-up duty when Iowa defeated Minnesota 41-3.
Hecklinski’s stat line was modest but insightful. He punched in a rushing touchdown after completing his one and only pass for six yards. More significantly, the coaching staff’s increasing trust was indicated by his appearance. It took time for that trust to develop. Hecklinski was the top-ranked quarterback prospect to sign with Wake Forest prior to transferring, so he came to Iowa City with a solid recruiting background. He seems to have the inside track to QB1 going into spring after spending a full year learning the system.
Instead of coming from the present, another option comes from the future. Tradon Bessinger, a four-star quarterback, is a significant recruiting victory for the Hawkeyes. After he went to Iowa City during the victory over Minnesota, Iowa flipped him from Boise State. Bessinger committed shortly after his recruitment was reopened, bringing with him a reputation for having a large arm and the confidence to go along with it.
After the early signing day, Bessinger told 247Sports that he didn’t come to Iowa just to hand the ball off. His swagger is supported by the numbers. He accumulated 10,908 passing yards and 127 touchdowns during his time in high school. He threw for 4,313 yards and 53 touchdowns just as a senior. Bessinger is most at ease in the pocket, but when necessary, he has demonstrated enough athleticism to throw on the move and escape pressure. It’s easy to see him putting in a lot of effort to get the starting position after a year in Iowa’s system.
The ubiquitous transfer portal is the last choice. There is no strategic or financial barrier to Iowa’s market exploration given the growth of NIL opportunities and the development of revenue-sharing models. Although the portal offers flexibility, supporters are still divided on whether the program should focus on development or seek a quick fix. Although recent history serves as a warning, Gronowski himself was a good addition to the portal. As Iowa discovered with Cade McNamara, not every transfer quarterback is a good fit. However, a temporary portal solution could fill the void if the staff needs more time to develop Hecklinski, Bessinger, Hank Brown, or Jimmy Sullivan.
The future of Iowa’s quarterback is still uncertain as the January transfer window draws near. The choice will undoubtedly influence the offense and expectations for 2026 and beyond.
