Iowa City Today

University of Iowa senior quarterback Mark Gronowski has been named to the 2025 Maxwell Award Watch List, according to an announcement from the Maxwell Football Club.

The Maxwell Award is given each year to the most outstanding player in college football. Gronowski, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 230 pounds, joins the Hawkeyes for his first and only season after transferring from South Dakota State. While at South Dakota State, he led the Jackrabbits to two FCS National Championships in 2022 and 2023. In 2023, Gronowski was the NCAA FCS statistical leader in passing efficiency with a rating of 179.67 and compiled a career record of 49-6 as starting quarterback. He received the 2023 Walter Payton Award for Most Outstanding Player in FCS, and his 49 wins tie him for most wins by an FCS quarterback. Over his career, he passed and rushed for touchdowns in the same game on 26 occasions out of 55 starts.

The Maxwell Award has recognized College Football’s Player of the Year since its establishment in 1937. It is named after Robert Maxwell, who contributed to football as a player, sportswriter, and official.

Semifinalists for this year's award will be announced on November 11. Finalists will be revealed on November 25, with the winner set to be announced on December 11.

Gronowski and Iowa are scheduled to begin their season on August 30 against UAlbany at home. The game will start at 5 p.m. Central Time and will air on FS1.

Tickets remain available for Iowa's season opener against UAlbany as well as other home games this fall against UMass (September 13), Penn State (October 18), Oregon (November 8), and Michigan State (November 22). Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 1-800-IA-HAWKS.