A Family Decision Amid Coaching Changes
Ryan Fitzgerald, the Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback, turned down a chance to reunite with his father Pat at Michigan State, opting instead to remain with the Hawkeyes where he has built a close‑knit circle of teammates.
Pat Fitzgerald’s return to the Big Ten came after his dismissal from Northwestern in 2023 amid hazing allegations, a move that sparked both celebration and controversy as he took the helm at Michigan State.
A quarterback room that feels like family
The decision was not merely sentimental; Fitzgerald emphasized the daily grind shared with Mark Gronowski, Jackson Stratton, Hank Brown, Jeremy Hecklinski, Jimmy Sullivan and Tradon Bessinger, whom he describes as brothers.
LeVar Woods, Rhys Dakin and Jaziun Patterson chose to transfer to Michigan State, while Mason Woods stayed, reinforcing the stability of Iowa’s roster and the trust Fitzgerald sees in his coaches.
Because Michigan State does not appear on Iowa’s 2026 schedule, the anticipated on‑field reunion with his brother Brendan will have to wait, but Fitzgerald says loyalty to the program outweighs any personal matchup.
In his own words, Fitzgerald declared he would not leave Iowa, citing the unwavering commitment he feels toward his teammates, coaches and the culture that has defined his college career.