In terms of statistics, Gronowski finished the regular season with eight touchdown passes and 1,529 passing yards. On the ground, though, he made the most important contributions. Rushing for 491 yards and scoring 15 rushing touchdowns, both single-season highs for a quarterback in Hawkeye history, he set two new Iowa program records. These figures depict a quarterback who frequently had to create on his own and wasn’t scared to take hits in order to advance the chains or complete drives in the red zone.
One of Iowa’s biggest offseason questions now that Gronowski’s departure is imminent is who will take over. The answer is still unclear and might not be available until long after the January transfer portal window opens. The Hawkeyes have a number of internal and external options, and the coaching staff will need to balance immediate production with development. These are Iowa’s three most plausible quarterback options for the upcoming campaign.
Here are the three most realistic quarterback paths Iowa could take heading into next season.
No. 1: Jeremy Hecklinski
Although Jeremy Hecklinski didn’t play in many games this season, his development has been observed behind the scenes. He was able to move up the depth chart late in the year thanks to his consistent practice efforts. Gronowski was hurt during a scramble in the fourth quarter of Iowa’s 20–15 loss to Indiana and was unable to return. Hank Brown, the backup at the time, was put in a challenging position against one of the best defensive teams in the country. As Iowa failed to pull off the upset, Brown struggled, completing just five of 13 passes and throwing an interception.
Iowa didn’t require a backup quarterback for a few weeks following that game. However, Hecklinski, not Brown, entered the game for mop-up duty during a commanding 41-3 victory over Minnesota. Although he wasn’t asked to do much, he finished the game with a rushing touchdown after completing his lone pass for six yards. That choice said a lot. It demonstrated the coaching staff’s increasing faith in Hecklinski. He was the most highly regarded quarterback prospect to ever sign with Wake Forest prior to transferring to Iowa. Now that he has spent an entire year in Iowa’s system, he seems to be on track to start at quarterback next season.
No. 2: Tradon Bessinger
Four-star quarterback Tradon Bessinger’s decision to renounce his commitment from Boise State was another significant recruiting boost for Iowa. During the victory over Minnesota, Bessinger traveled to Iowa City, reopened his recruitment soon after, and ultimately committed to the Hawkeyes. Bessinger provides the large arm that Iowa supporters have been longing for. He told 247Sports shortly after the early signing day that throwing the ball is what is expected of him in Iowa, not just handing it off.
That is supported by his high school transcript. During his prep career, Bessinger threw for 10,908 yards and 127 touchdowns, including a spectacular senior campaign that included 4,313 yards and 53 touchdowns. He is athletic enough to throw on the move and escape pressure when necessary, even though he excels in the pocket. There is genuine hope that after a year in Iowa’s system, he will be prepared to contend for the starting position.
No. 3: The transfer portal
The transfer portal is the third option, and there’s no reason Iowa can’t look into it once more given the growth of NIL opportunities and revenue-sharing models. There’s still disagreement among supporters over whether the program should hire proven transfers or develop quarterbacks internally, but there’s no harm in considering all of your options. Although Gronowski was a good addition this season, there are dangers associated with portal quarterbacks. Cade McNamara taught Iowa that not all transfers are a perfect fit. However, a temporary or one-time portal quarterback might make sense if the staff wants to buy time to develop Hecklinski, Bessinger, Brown, or Jimmy Sullivan.
The future of Iowa’s quarterback is still one of the most fascinating stories to follow as the January window draws near. The choice could determine the program’s course for years to come, not just for the upcoming season.
