In just a few days, Iowa football will return to Kinnick Stadium for the first time in nine months.
Expectations are high for the Hawkeyes in 2025, mostly due to the arrival of transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski. The Iowa offense took a step forward under Tim Lester last year, but still left a lot to be desired in the passing game, which is why they brought in Gronowski. They’re hoping that he, alongside a veteran offensive line, a strong stable of running backs, and an intriguing group of receivers, can revitalize the Hawkeye passing attack.
Advertisement
Gronowski missed all of spring ball with an injury, but has been back for camp, developing a rapport with his receivers. And now he’s getting ready to take his first snaps as a Hawkeye at Kinnick Stadium. The fan base is expecting and hoping for offensive fireworks against Albany on Saturday.
But what is the coaching staff looking for from Gronowski in his first Iowa start?
Kirk Ferentz spoke to the media on Tuesday for his weekly game week media availability and was asked about what would define success for Gronowski and the offense on Saturday.
Kirk Ferentz defines success for Mark Gronowski on Saturday
Iowa football head coach Kirk Ferentz gives updates on the team during media day Aug. 8, 2025 in Iowa City, Iowa.
Here was part of Ferentz’s answer to that question about what success looks like for Gronowski on Saturday.
“But I think probably as much as anything from my vantage point it would be not trying to do too much. I think during the course of this camp, we’ve seen him get more and more comfortable, and then went through a little period there where he’s trying to maybe do too much and force some things, that type of deal.
He hasn’t played in a while. I know he’ll be excited just like a lot of guys that haven’t played in Kinnick. He has played in Kinnick but not on our side. So just try to relax and play your best football the way you’ve been coached, and look forward to seeing him play,” Ferentz said.
Ferentz also mentioned taking care of the football and eliminating negative plays earlier in his answer. And his answer is fair for a quarterback making his first FBS start. Gronowski will come out pumped up and ready to go, but making sure he’s playing within the game plan and within himself will be key. If he can start with that and go from there, the pieces will fall into place for the Hawkeye offense this season.
Advertisement
Throwing expectations out the window, having Iowa football back is a great feeling. There’s nothing better than watching the Hawkeyes on a Saturday, and this season should be a blast. And Iowa fans should be confident in Gronowski to help elevate the offense to a new level, even if it takes some time.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football shares definition of success for new QB in opener
