Iowa football finds itself in a familiar but slightly different position at quarterback as the winter transfer portal gets closer to opening. During his media availability on Thursday, head coach Kirk Ferentz addressed the inevitable questions this week regarding whether the Hawkeyes will look for another signal-caller. His message was calm, collected, and perfectly in line with Iowa football’s style: don’t anticipate any aggressive quarterback hunting at this time.
When the transfer portal formally opens on January 2, Ferentz was asked directly if Iowa intends to pursue quarterbacks. That’s not at the top of the program’s to-do list, at least not right now, according to his response. Ferentz stressed that the Hawkeyes are content with the quarterback room they currently have on campus as they get ready for their ReliaQuest Bowl game against No. 14 Vanderbilt on December 31. Ferentz stated, “Never say never to any possibilities, but that’s not a primary thought right now.”
With graduate quarterback Mark Gronowski leading the way, Iowa is preparing for one last game. Considering the offensive concerns that surrounded the program going into the season, the transfer addition has been nothing short of revolutionary for the Hawkeyes. Gronowski’s influence has surpassed expectations, and despite hardship, his consistent development has been apparent. Ferentz pointed out that Gronowski’s growth has persisted well into the season, partly as a result of time lost earlier to injury. That setback seems to have strengthened his resolve and focus rather than slowed him down.
“I think this has been important for Mark, too, because of some of the time he missed with the injury,” Ferentz said. “He’s gaining ground every day, so I think that’s a good thing. His attitude has been consistent all the way through it.”
The outcomes speak for themselves. By surpassing Iowa’s single-season quarterback records for both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, Gronowski has already left his mark on the school’s record book. His 15 rushing touchdowns and 491 rushing yards have given Iowa’s offense a new dimension that has stabilized the team and provided timely sparks at crucial times. However, Iowa has recently made investments in other quarterbacks besides Gronowski. The Hawkeyes signed two more transfer quarterbacks last offseason: former Wake Forest quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski and former Auburn signal-caller Hank Brown. Ferentz thinks the strategy is working because those changes, along with the growth of younger players, were intended to provide depth and competition.
Ferentz remarked, “We’ve actually been able to work all the guys.” “I believe both Jeremy and Hank are progressing and getting better. Actually, it’s encouraging that we’re seeing progress. Everything is going well so far.
One of the main reasons Iowa isn’t currently under pressure to conduct an external search is this internal progress. Iowa seems content to take a more patient approach, despite the transfer portal becoming a fast-paced marketplace where teams rush to fill perceived gaps. While acknowledging that the staff will keep an eye on the portal, Ferentz emphasized that the current situation does not call for the addition of another quarterback.
“As we sit here right now, the goal is not to have to look outside,” he said. “We’ll keep an eye on things, but that’s not our intention now as we stand here.”
Iowa is keeping a close eye on the future in addition to the current roster. Tradon Bessinger, a four-star quarterback, was recently signed by the Hawkeyes as a member of their 2026 recruiting class, adding to the team’s long-term confidence at the position. Bessinger’s commitment, the development of several transfers, and Gronowski’s record-breaking season make Iowa’s quarterback prospects appear more certain than they have in recent years.
As No. 23 Iowa gets ready for one last test in the 2025–26 season, all of that serves as the backdrop. Vanderbilt is 10-2 and 6-2 in the SEC going into the ReliaQuest Bowl, while the Hawkeyes are 8-4 overall and 6-3 in Big Ten play. Iowa has the opportunity to end the season on a high note and send Gronowski out with momentum in this matchup.
On December 31 in Tampa, Florida, Ferentz, Gronowski, and the Hawkeyes will take on the Commodores at 11 a.m. CT. ESPN will broadcast the game. Iowa’s message for the time being is straightforward: trust the room, finish the season strong, and take things one step at a time. However, the transfer portal chatter will only get louder in the upcoming weeks.
