Mark Gronowski

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa senior quarterback Mark Gronowski has been named to the 2025 Maxwell Award Watch List, announced by the Maxwell Football Club on Monday.

The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football.

Gronowski (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) will be in his first and final season with the Hawkeyes after transferring from South Dakota State, where he led the team to FCS National Championships in 2022 and 2023.

Gronowski was the 2023 NCAA FCS statistical leader in passing efficiency (179.67) and compiled a 49-6 career record as the Jackrabbits’ starting quarterback. He earned the 2023 Walter Payton Award, which is awarded to the Most Outstanding Player in FCS. The 49 wins ties for most wins by an FCS quarterback.

The native of Naperville, Ill., passed and rushed for touchdowns in the same game 26 times in 55 career starts.

The Maxwell Award has been awarded to College Football’s Player of the Year since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert Maxwell for his contributions to the game as a player, sportswriter and official.

Semifinalists will be announced on Nov. 11, while finalists will be revealed Nov. 25. The winner will be announced on Dec. 11.

Gronowski and the Hawkeyes open their season on Aug. 30 against UAlbany.