Gronowski is a throwback quarterback — a 235-pound winner with bruising rushing ability who carried Iowa's offense on his legs with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2025, tied for the Big Ten single-season record. He processes well in play-action concepts and delivers with enough arm talent to threaten intermediate windows, but his downfield passing limitations and tendency to stare down receivers will restrict him to a backup role at the next level. The all-time winningest QB in NCAA Division I history (58-10 as a starter) and East-West Shrine Bowl MVP, Gronowski is the kind of high-character competitor that coaching staffs love having in the QB room, even if his passing ceiling is firmly QB2/QB3. Think of him as your emergency starter who won't lose you games with his legs and leadership, but don't expect him to win a shootout.
- Elite rushing ability for a quarterback — 16 rushing TDs in 2025 Big Ten play with 545 yards, sets Iowa single-season records at the position
- Outstanding toughness and durability — played through a knee sprain, started all 13 games, and threw key blocks in all-star competition
- Proven winner with exceptional leadership — 58-10 career record, two FCS national titles, won MVP in both championship games, Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP
- Effective in play-action concepts — sells the fake, flips his head, and delivers accurate throws on the move to his left and right
- Adequate arm strength in the short-to-intermediate window with enough zip to hit far-sideline throws in tight coverage
- Below-average downfield passing — just 1,741 passing yards and 10 TDs against 7 INTs in his only FBS season, with limited explosive plays through the air
- Tendency to stare down receivers and telegraph throws — creates interceptable windows for NFL-caliber defenders
- Lacks the velocity to consistently drive the ball outside the numbers on late-arriving throws
- Decision making under pressure is inconsistent — struggles to progress through reads against complex defensive looks, especially early in the season at Iowa
Multiple sources drew the Ehlinger comparison directly — similar body type (6-2, 235), running ability, toughness, and leadership with limited passing ceiling. Both are high-character backup quarterbacks who can function in a run-heavy, play-action system and won't embarrass you as an emergency starter.