PRZIA 2026 Rankings Update | New Names to Know Pt. 1
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Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area. The Prep Redzone Iowa 2026 class rankings received a massive update today, with our list of prospects growing to over 300. In growing our prospect list we…
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The Prep Redzone Iowa 2026 class rankings received a massive update today, with our list of prospects growing to over 300. In growing our prospect list we found tons of great players with elite talent and massive upside. Although these players are only headed into their junior seasons, I am confident that there are several future CFB stars in the mix.
To kick off coverage of the new rankings, I’m featuring four players who really caught my attention and earned a spot in the new Top 20.
Check out PRZ Rob Howe’s Intro to the Revamped 2026 Class HERE.
An absolute stud at LB! Bishop Heelan’s Kasen Thomas Kasen Thomas LB Bishop Heelan | 2026 State IA broke out in a BIG way during his sophomore season, in which he ended with 56 tackles, 17.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, and an interception. Kasen is a super explosive outside linebacker/EDGE rusher who excels when he can pin his ears back and go after the QB. He has a speedy get-off and does a great job firing his hands quickly and violently to disengage from blocks. Kasen is versatile with his pass-rush technique, showing that he can power his way into the backfield or set linemen up with speed/finesse moves before zooming past them. Great bend coming off the edge. Thomas flashes a non-stop motor and a tireless pursuit for the ball. You should also expect Kasen to be a big part of the offense after he rushed for 442 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns last season. A strong showing at camps this summer should lead to some early offers for the uber-talented Bishop Heelan prospect. Buy stock now!
One of the biggest eye-openers from this round of updates. Mason City’s Ty Sanchez-Evans Ty Sanchez-Evans 6’3″ | 245 lbs | TE Mason City | 2026 State IA flashed a versatile skillset that fits the mold for the modern tight end. Ty passes the eye test right off the bat with a sturdy 6’3″ and 245-pound frame and possesses a great level of athleticism. Sanchez-Evans looked great as a pass catcher, displaying big, reliable mitts with the strength to secure catches through contact. Ty also impressed with his toughness after the catch and his drive to fight through tackle attempts to rack up some extra yardage. Of course, you wouldn’t be a complete tight end if you don’t like to get your hands dirty at the line of scrimmage, which Ty does not hesitate to do. Ty was practically an extension of the offensive line regarding run blocking, displaying great technique and physicality. Ty showed good use of leverage and hand placement with his blocks, and he had the power to overwhelm and drive his opponents out of the play. Sanchez-Evans should be a hot commodity in a state known for producing great players at the tight-end position.
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Jefferson’s Lloydson Nyenow Jr Lloydson Nyenow Jr 6’2″ | 190 lbs | WR Cedar Rapids Jefferson | 2026 State IA . is a player who is in store for a massive season and could shoot up recruiting boards with a strong summer cycle. Lloydson ended year 2 as the team leader in receiving yards with 517 yards on 34 receptions and scored three receiving touchdowns. Nyenow is a big-bodied receiver who can elevate and make the difficult 50/50 catches over defenders. Lloydson is very strong at the catch point, with vice-like hands and great concentration throughout the catch process. Tracks the ball very well and can adjust his body to make catches outside of his frame. His quick release and deceptive speed allow him to get behind DBs and stretch defenses vertically. LJ flashed good play-making ability after the catch and proved to be tough to tackle on initial contact. Looks like only a matter of time before some offers start hitting the phone!
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Iowa City West’s Julian (Juju) Manson has the upside and talent to be a highly sought-after prospect in multiple sports before his prep career is up. Manson is a lengthy, athletic safety on the Trojan’s defense who ended his sophomore season with 31.5 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 2 interceptions. With his top-tier range, speed, and instincts, Julian does an excellent job covering large chunks of the field and can close on the ball in a flash. He can break up passes with his smart and effective hand use. Although Julian mainly patrolled the deep field for the IC West defense, he was willing to step up into a box safety role to help defend the run game and proved to be a physical tackler. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Julian have a big season on the offensive side of the ball with his mix of size and athleticism.
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