Iowa QB Mark Gronowski, NCAA's Winningest Signal-Caller, Gets Colts Tryout
The Indianapolis Colts brought in five players for a tryout on Saturday, headlined by Iowa graduate Mark Gronowski, the winningest quarterback in NCAA history at any level. The undrafted free agent rookie was joined by three veteran wide receivers and an undrafted free agent cornerback as the team looks to round out its roster ahead of the regular season.
Gronowski's college résumé is unmatched. After winning back-to-back FCS national championships at South Dakota State in 2022 and 2023, he transferred to Iowa for the 2025 season. His 58 career victories, including a 49-6 record with the Jackrabbits and a 9-4 campaign with the Hawkeyes, set the all-time NCAA record for wins by a quarterback.
What did Gronowski accomplish at Iowa?
In his lone season in Iowa City, Gronowski completed 166 of 262 passes (63.4%) for 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The dual-threat quarterback also rushed for 545 yards on 130 carries and added 16 more scores on the ground.
His career numbers are staggering: 12,049 passing yards, 103 passing touchdowns, 2,312 rushing yards and 53 rushing touchdowns. That production made him one of the most decorated signal-callers in college football history.
How did Gronowski land with the Colts?
The Miami Dolphins signed Gronowski shortly after the NFL Draft in April, but he was released from training camp just over a week ago. The Colts currently have four quarterbacks on their roster, with veteran Easton Stick recently signed as the No. 4 option. Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard are competing for the backup job behind starter Daniel Jones.
Gronowski's tryout gives the Colts a chance to evaluate a proven winner who could add depth to the quarterback room.
Who else tried out with the Colts?
The Colts also evaluated three veteran wide receivers, including Josh Reynolds, a fourth-round pick by the Rams in 2017. Reynolds has played for six teams over nine NFL seasons. He appeared in five games with the Jets last season, catching 11 passes for 101 yards before landing on injured reserve with a hip injury.
Tre'Quan Smith and Equanimeous St. Brown also participated in the tryout. Neither played in the NFL in 2025. Smith, a former third-round pick, spent five seasons with the Saints, catching 131 passes for 1,764 yards and 18 touchdowns. St. Brown, the brother of Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown, has played five seasons in the league, most recently with the Saints in 2024.
The fifth player at the tryout was undrafted free agent cornerback Jaylon Guilbeau, a two-year starter at Texas who finished his college career with 124 tackles, one sack, one interception and 10 passes defended.
What does this mean for the Colts?
The tryouts signal the Colts are actively looking to strengthen their roster at several positions. With Gronowski's record-setting pedigree and the experience of the veteran receivers, Indianapolis is leaving no stone unturned as it prepares for the season.
For Iowa fans, Gronowski's continued pursuit of an NFL roster spot is a story worth following. His journey from South Dakota State to Iowa to an NFL tryout reflects the determination and work ethic that made him a record-setter at the college level.