2026 Rankings Update: A Closer Look at Quarterbacks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/">new set of rankings</a>&nbsp;for the Class of 2026 dropped on Thursday. We published&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/look-inside-process-of-compiling-26-update/">an overview</a>&nbsp;on how the update came together for more context and insight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday, we dove into positional ratings with a slick, interactive breakout chart from Prep Network designers. It provides a view of all the guys ranked at each spot. Click on a player's name and it takes you to his profile. Pretty slick.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='401870' first='Drake' last='DeGroote'] from West Des Moines Valley is the No. 1 quarterback in the update. He and several other guys atop the list below enter the season with proven performance behind them and an eye on more in their next tour of varsity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterbacks often emerge in their junior seasons after some prepping in the offense, too. Expect that around here in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reports on Stock Risers and New Additions appear below the chart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2409","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c0bab3ae6b5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>STOCK RISERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238506' first='Cameron' last='Cantonwine'], 6-1, 190, Ames: </strong>Cantonwine played on the sophomore and varsity teams last season, flashing upside that makes him a breakout candidate this fall. He moved into the Top 10 at the position with an excellent chance to rise more. Cantonwine gashes opponents in the run game, rushing for 878 yards (6.8 YPC) and 11 touchdowns for the varsity. He stressed teams with his arm as well. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17446488/667a1348e310896670989548">sophomore highlight video</a> shows us a guy with a great burst when running and an ability to throw the ball deep with touch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1242831' first='Brady' last='Wall'], 6-0, 165, Maquoketa Valley:</strong> The Wildcats rely on Wall to keep defenders on their toes with his dual-threat ability. He's coming off a sophomore season that saw him throw for six touchdowns and run for four more. Wall locked down on defense as well, and as his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18152868/654c347e688ec50298a9fa00">sophomore highlights</a> show, he could end up there on the next level. Colleges will like his arm strength and mobility on offense. Wall checked in two spots behind Cantonwine in the update and shares his high upside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1242837' first='Blake' last='Wiggins'], 6-1, 175, West Sioux: </strong>Wiggins shows up just behind Wall on the update and could follow his rise in future iterations of these rankings. Again, these guys have half their prep careers remaining. Wiggins <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14936844/654e5ab3b3c9e4110cd6694a">shined as a 10th-grader</a>, throwing for 1118 yards and 12 scores, and rushing for 654 yards and eight TDs. No doubt this lefty can chuck it deep. He gets through his progressions in a timely manner and can throw on the move. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NEW ADDITIONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1369782' first='Brody' last='Robertson'], 6-2, 155, Assumption: </strong>Robertson looks to step into the Lancers' starting lineup the way he did our rankings update. The North Scott offense allows its signal callers freedom to utilize their skills sets. Robertson's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19959650/6618a2b59303db7e28c5d763">sophomore highlight video</a> features a QB capable of being a big pain for the defense. It must respect his throwing ability while knowing he can slice it up with his legs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1360486' first='Trevor' last='Phillips'], 5-8, 160, Columbus:</strong> After completing close to 60 percent of his passes as a sophomore, Phillips is poised for a breakout in '24. On his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17529043/652f119890ef500988fdac40">10th-grade highlight video</a>, Phillips stands out for his touch on the deep ball and command of the offense. He zips it in to his targets. Good footwork is present as is an opportunity for a big junior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370649' first='Maddox' last='Pattison'], 6-2, 180, Oelwein:</strong> Joining the rankings is Pattison, a productive sophomore signal caller that scored throwing and running. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18222410/65cd6df942071b123862bee0">10th-grade film</a> reveals two abilities we don't see in the game much these days - he's adept at play-action lining up under center and the righty is accurate rolling out to his left. Pattison thrives at leading his receivers so they can gain yards after the catch. He's mobile, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PREVIOUS POSITION BREAKDOWNS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/2026-rankings-update-a-closer-look-at-the-o-linemen/">Offensive Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/2026-rankings-update-a-closer-look-at-the-secondary/">Defensive Back</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/2026-rankings-update-a-closer-look-at-wr/">Receiver</a> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/przia-2026-rankings-update-a-closer-look-at-the-tight-ends/">Tight End</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->