The all-time winning quarterback in college football will have one more national platform before focusing entirely on the NFL. Mark Gronowski, the quarterback for Iowa football, has formally accepted an invitation to play in the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl, marking yet another significant milestone in an incredible collegiate career that has already changed perceptions and rewritten record books.
Every year, many of the best senior prospects in the country come together for the East-West Shrine Bowl, one of the most prestigious postseason all-star shows in college football. Before playing in the actual game, players practice for a week under the close supervision of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. For Gronowski, the invitation is a chance to further prove that his success extends beyond college, and it also serves as a source of validation.
The Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, will host the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl on January 27. Gronowski has accepted the invitation and will be one of the quarterbacks hoping to make an impression on evaluators in a situation that frequently has a significant impact on draft stock. The stage seems appropriate for a player who has always thrived on disproving skeptics. Gronowski’s one and only season with the Iowa Hawkeyes was truly revolutionary. He swiftly became the driving force behind change after moving in and assuming leadership of an offense that had recently struggled to find consistency. Iowa had a 9–4 record at the end of the 2025 campaign, which included a convincing victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores in the bowl to cap off a year marked by a resurgence of confidence and offensive balance.
Gronowski’s influence was evident statistically. Only a portion of the story is revealed by his 1,741 yards and 10 passing touchdowns. He was a force on the ground, rushing for 545 yards and scoring an impressive 16 touchdowns. He gave Iowa’s offense a new dimension with his ability to extend plays, finish drives with his legs, and make quick decisions. He even caught a receiving touchdown in one particularly memorable moment, highlighting his adaptability and football acumen.
Gronowski altered the perception of Iowa football in ways that went beyond the box score. The Hawkeyes, who were well-known across the country for their defense and special teams, started to gain recognition for their offensive toughness and inventiveness. His leadership, readiness, and composed demeanor during crucial times were freely discussed by teammates. Every snap, opposing defenses had to take him into account, which created opportunities all over the field.
Gronowski had already developed a legendary resume at South Dakota State before coming to Iowa City. He established his reputation as a winner and a clutch player as the quarterback for the Jackrabbits, leading the team to two FCS national titles. In addition to his athletic prowess, those seasons demonstrated his mastery of intricate offenses and his ability to step up during postseason play.
As his time in college came to an end, the numbers revealed a remarkable tale. Gronowski finished with 103 passing touchdowns and 12,071 passing yards. His 2,312 rushing yards and 53 rushing touchdowns as a runner demonstrate his physical prowess and unwavering competitiveness. Most notably, he had the best career record in college football history as a starting quarterback, going 58–10.
There is more to that winning percentage than just a figure. It is the result of years of leadership, perseverance, and consistency across various programs and competition levels. With Gronowski at center, his teams were able to win everything from FCS championship games to Big Ten contests. His situational awareness and toughness, which don’t always appear on highlight reels but are crucial at the professional level, are frequently cited by coaches as defining characteristics.
Gronowski can now compare himself to elite players from around the nation thanks to the Shrine Bowl. Weekly practices are frequently just as crucial as the actual game because quarterbacks must quickly pick up new systems, throw to receivers they are unfamiliar with, and perform under close scrutiny. It’s an opportunity for scouts to assess poise, flexibility, and leadership in real time.
The invitation is perceived by Iowa supporters as an extension of a narrative they witnessed during a single, unforgettable season. After arriving, Gronowski altered expectations, produced victories, and now represents the Hawkeyes on a national stage. For Gronowski, it’s just another phase in a journey characterized by opportunities that are earned rather than given.
Gronowski’s participation in the Shrine Bowl has additional significance. This event has long been used to level the playing field by players from unconventional paths or offenses not in the national spotlight. Good practices can start discussions in scouting rooms and result in priority free agent opportunities or late-round selections. Gronowski’s experience with adaptation, having already made the transition from FCS to the Big Ten, may be a subtle advantage. Every rep in Frisco will be important, and if past performance is any indication, he will tackle it with the same confidence and edge that characterized his ascent through college.
It’s one last tryout, one more test, and a well-deserved opportunity to continue demonstrating his worth on the football stage.
