Iowa QB Mark Gronowski Catches Touchdown Pass on Trick Play Against USC
LOS ANGELES – In a stunning play during SaturdayS game against USC, Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski caught a touchdown pass on a trick play, extending the Hawkeyes’ lead to 21-7. The play unfolded with Gronowski handing off to Kaden Wetjen, who then pitched the ball to Reece Vander Zee, setting up a throw back to Gronowski in the end zone.
The successful trick play marked a significant moment for both Gronowski and the Iowa offense. It was Gronowski’s first reception as a Hawkeye, after previously recording five catches for 66 yards – including a 24-yard touchdown in 2020 – during his time at South Dakota state. Vander Zee, a non-quarterback, became the first Hawkeye since punter Colten Rastetter in 2018 to throw a touchdown pass, and the first non-QB to attempt a pass for Iowa since 2021. it was also the first touchdown pass by an Iowa wide receiver as Clinton Solomon against minnesota in 2005, according to HawkCentral reporter Dargan Southard.
Through the first half against USC, Gronowski completed 7 of 10 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 13 yards and another touchdown on six carries. He added a receiving touchdown for a total of three touchdowns in the half. Entering Saturday’s game, Gronowski had completed 63.9% of his passes for 1,084 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2025, along with 88 carries for 338 yards and 12 touchdowns.
