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South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski has entered the transfer portal. After spending four seasons with the Jackrabbits, he’s hoping to cash in on his production at the FCS level by possibly landing a starting job in the FBS.
The passer has other options, too, though, and he’s doing everything in his power to maximize his situation. That includes leveraging his status as a potential pro while negotiating with NCAA suitors.
“I’m trying to weigh all my options to do what’s best for me and my career. I’m confident in what I can do in the NFL. If there’s opportunities that help my family, I’ll change my mind. It’s doing what’s best for me and my long-term interest overall.”
-Mark Gronowski
Gronowski went 49-6 as a starter with South Dakota State, tying the FCS record for wins. He won a pair of national championships with the program but feels it best to step away now that his head coach has accepted the job at Washington State.
The quarterback now has two options: Enter the NFL Draft or transfer. He feels confident in his ability to be successful at the next level. With that being said, he admitted that his mind can be changed with the right situation (and likely a hefty NIL offer!).
Mark Gronowski is a legitimate NFL prospect.
Sports Illustrated considered the signal caller one of the Top 10 FCS draft prospects this preseason. After throwing for 23 touchdowns and rushing for 10 more, his stock has only risen.
While you’ll see other quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward rated more highly on draft boards, Gronowski’s status as a mid- to late-round pick is real. It certainly gives him leverage when negotiating potential NIL deals while searching for a transfer destination.
South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski tells ESPN that he intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal. He’s also strongly considering entering the NFL draft, and the portal entry is a way for him to weigh all of his options. He went 49-6 and threw more than 10,000 yards. pic.twitter.com/U1KDhtNLpl
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 29, 2024
Just last year, we saw Ward do the same after deciding to leave Washington State. The passer hopped in the portal while also gauging NFL Draft interest. Ultimately, he stayed for one final college season at Miami.
That decision worked out as he’s soon to be a first-round selection. He got paid by the Hurricanes to improve his stock. Now, he’ll land an even bigger payday in the NFL. We’ll see if Mark Gronowski takes a similar path this offseason.