2026 IA/NEB Combine Key Performers
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The Iowa/Nebraska Prep RedZone combine event was held in Council Bluffs, IA on (5-5) it was a great opportunity to see some talented players from the 2026 class perform in front of college coaches and Prep RedZone scouts. Here are…
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Continue ReadingThe Iowa/Nebraska Prep RedZone combine event was held in Council Bluffs, IA on (5-5) it was a great opportunity to see some talented players from the 2026 class perform in front of college coaches and Prep RedZone scouts. Here are some solid 2026 kids that caught my eye throughout the day.
Starting on the offensive side of the ball with the offensive lineman was 2026 prospect Colt Schipper Colt Schipper 6'4" | 260 lbs | OL Waukee | 2026 State IA 6-4 (260) of Waukee. Schipper took home the combines top performing offensive lineman. Schipper showed good footwork and kickout on blocking drills and was solid in one on one blocking. Good athleticism for his size and uses length to get separation at the line of scrimmage. Solid OT prospect at the college level. A couple other 2026 players that showed well were Andrew Hine Andrew Hine 6'4" | 250 lbs | OL Waukee | 2026 State IA 6-4 (245) of Waukee and Carter Heidt Carter Heidt 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Western Dubuque | 2026 State IA 6-4 (290) of Western Dubuque. Both players showed the ability to block up front effectively and displayed good footwork.
A couple performers who impressed me were 2026 RB prospect Eli Cosby 5-9 (198) of Ames. Cosby displayed some nice moves with the ball and demonstrated the ability to block in pass protection. Very personable kid with a great attitude and I look for him to have a solid 2024 campaign this fall. My other 2026 RB prospect was Avery Favors Avery Favors RB Bishop Heelan | 2026 IA 5-10 (170) of Bishop Heelan showed good athleticism in pass routes and good hands receiving. Favors will be a solid contributor this fall for the Crusaders who were runners-up in class 3A football last season. Good bloodlines here as brother Isaiah is off to play college football this fall at Minnesota State University of Moorhead.
I enjoy looking for athletes. I am very high on 2026 prospect ATH Jaxon Paulsrud Jaxon Paulsrud 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB Cherokee | 2026 State IA 6-0 (190) of Cherokee Washington. I liked his coverage in WR drills as he re-routed several receivers as he did a good job using his body to be in a position to finish the rep. Paulsrud is a kid that will be productive on either side of the football. Shows good leadership and will be one to follow this fall for what should be a good Braves football team.
I watched QB play and one kid jumped out at me. 2026 prospect Cole Signor Cole Signor 6'1" | 170 lbs | QB Norfolk | 2026 State NE 6-2 (190) of Norfolk Senior showed a great clean release on the ball and showed good footwork in his drop backs. Signor Throws a very catchable ball and is pretty impressive at ball placement so only his receiver can make a play on the ball. Exciting future here and it will be fun to follow his progress.
2026 LB prospect Dawson James Dawson James 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Lynnville-Sully | 2026 IA 6-2 (230) of Lynnville-Sully is a player. Really understands inside out leverage and moves well sideline to sideline. His HUDL film shows his closing speed and really has a good understanding of pursuit angles and meeting RB’s in the hole. Very nice college prospect and should only get better with experience.
2027 Look ahead prospect DT/DE Lucas Diehl 6-3 (245) of Kuemper is the real deal. Has tremendous physicality at the point of attack and shows good use of hands and leverage when taking on the opposition. Very humble hard worker that already shows flashes of D-1 ability at a young age. Displays leadership qualities that coach’s look for. Very high ceiling here for this prospect and easily one of my top 2027 performers from the combine.
Stay tuned as more information rolls out from an outstanding combine event!