Former SDSU-Iowa QB Mark Gronowski Named 2026 Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP

Mark Gronowski turned a week of strong practices into a tangible payday for his draft stock, earning offensive MVP honors at the East-West Shrine Bowl after a tidy showing in Frisco, TX. The former South Dakota State signal-caller who finished his college career at Iowa completed 7 of 10 passes for 86 yards and added 28 rushing yards, capping a week that also saw him named to the West All-Practice Team.

Gronowski’s Shrine Bowl performance reinforced what scouts value most at these all-star events: reliable decision-making, accuracy in short- and intermediate-range throws, and mobility when the pocket collapses. His efficiency in limited game snaps paired with consistent practice reps gave evaluators a compact film sample that highlights readiness to operate in pro-style systems. The 7-for-10 line and the extra rushing yardage underscored a dual-threat baseline without forcing risky plays, an approach that fits teams looking for a developmental pro passer who can manage the game.

The Shrine Bowl’s practice week remains an industry crucible where NFL personnel prioritize repeatable mechanics and adaptability. Gronowski’s selection to the West All-Practice Team signaled he impressed coaches and scouts across multiple days, not just in gameday moments. That steadiness can translate into more formal interviews, positional workouts, and possibly private visits as Gronowski moves into the pre-draft calendar.

Gronowski’s journey from South Dakota State to Iowa embodies the growing pipeline from FCS programs to Power Five programs and, ultimately, the NFL. That pathway has cultural resonance for Midwestern football communities and for prospects who use transfer portals to chase higher-level exposure. Performances like Gronowski’s at a national showcase validate the scouting maxim that talent can emerge outside of marquee conferences and that postseason all-star weeks can recalibrate evaluations.

For evaluators, the takeaway is concrete: Gronowski demonstrated pro-friendly traits in both practice and game settings while avoiding costly turnovers. For NFL teams, he now represents a lower-risk developmental option with proven toughness and college starting experience across different systems. For fans in Brookings and Iowa City, the MVP honor is a measurable milestone as the pro process unfolds.

Next steps for Mark Gronowski include the remainder of the pre-draft process - positional drills, medical reviews, and team interviews - where the Shrine Bowl tape and practice reports will be replayed and reweighed. His MVP hardware gives him immediate visibility; how teams value accuracy, processing speed, and mobility will determine whether that visibility converts into draft-day selection or priority free-agent opportunities.