Iowa Players Address QB Uncertainty

If one thing is for sure, it's the fact that head coach Kirk Ferentz and company have no idea who is starting for the Iowa Hawkeyes against Wisconsin. Iowa heads to Madison knowing they'll be against a Badgers team that has lost three straight, but that doesn't mean Wisconsin can't compete.

Even though Iowa breezed past them last season, 42-10, they may have to play at Camp Randall with their QB2 or QB3. An intriguing update emerged on their depth chart as it listed quarterback Mark Gronowski as QB1, but then listed QB Hank Brown OR QB Jeremy Hecklinski. Clearly, that debate has yet to be settled.

Even though Brown came in against Indiana, that doesn't necessarily mean he's earned the start against Wisconsin. The sophomore QB struggled, and now the team has had nearly two full weeks to prepare for the Badgers. Upon doing so, some of Iowa's players commented on the hottest topic of the week, which QB will start in Madison?

Player quotes about Iowa's quarterback situation from today.

OL Kade Pieper on how Mark Gronowski is practicing: “He’s looked really good. But I don't even watch the quarterbacks, to be honest.”

Also: “He’s been working a lot, in the training room a lot. Just trying to get…
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) October 7, 2025

"He’s looked really good. But I don't even watch the quarterbacks, to be honest. He’s been working a lot, in the training room a lot. Just trying to get back," offensive lineman Kade Pieper said in regard to Gronowski.

"That's a question for Coach Ferentz," running back Nathan McNeil said, when Chad Leistikow asked him about Gronowski starting. McNeil added, "They look good," when asked how the other QBs look.

"We always have the mentality here of next man in. Somebody goes down, next man’s up," defensive tackle Aaron Graves said. "And he’s [Gronowski] expected to play at a really high level, too. That’s the mentality we have going into this week, for whoever might or might not play.”

Strong safety Koen Entringer added, "I have no idea what goes on during the offensive practice. I’m on the defensive field, trying to figure out a way to stop Wisconsin.”

Clearly, Iowa is keeping things close to heart. There's a real chance they'll need the next few days to determine the status of Gronowski, but there's also a chance they've known all along. Either way, it's a fun mind game to play against the Badgers. If there's one thing for certain it's the fact that Ferentz could decide to run the ball until Iowa is blue in the face.

With plenty of questions remaining ahead of their next game on October 11, Iowa knows they're entering a crucial part of their schedule. Should Gronowski need the extra time to recover, now is the time to give it to him. In the coming weeks, the schedule continues to get more and more difficult as his presence will be more vital than ever.

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