Check Out These Iowa 2026s You Don’t Want to Miss

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're getting deeper into the 2026 pool this week as we continue adding evaluations to student-athletes' profile pages here at Prep Redzone Iowa. Posting as many reports as we can for this class and beyond is the goal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's another batch of write-ups from a talented recruiting cycle:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1267895"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68348a008554a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mathis disrupted the plans of opponents throughout the 2024 campaign. He produced 21 solo tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and a sack. He also chipped in as a punt returner and a punter, highlighting his versatility and athleticism. When watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18084732/67204fd45c4caf2e6f44b7de">junior video</a>, we witness an active middle linebacker that diagnoses plays quickly and gets to the football. Hand placement and speed help Mathis stay unblocked, and he wraps up while being a technically-sound tackler. He's solid with a frame capable of adding strength and mass without the loss of athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1241507"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68348a00855df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Contributing of both sides of the ball as a junior last season, Flattery helped the Bulldogs win seven games. He carried the ball 15 times for 104 yards and a touchdown, and added a catch for 13 yards. On defense, Flattery produced 24.0 tackles (16 solo, 5.0 TFL) and 4.0 sacks. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17431979/672d1a19734d601a038c50c4">11th-grade highlight video</a> reveals a versatile defender that delivers no matter where he lines up in the formation. He often starts at outside linebacker and creeps up to the edge based on pre-snap reads. Flattery has a knack for flowing to the football and keeping the play in front of him. He's especially strong against the run. When carrying the ball, Flattery has a good feel for finding the openings, exhibiting patience as his blocks set up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1222859"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68348a0085654"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nelson stood out as a bright spot for the Stars last season. He caught four passes for 65 yards as an intriguing tight end. On defense, he delivered six solo tackles and a fumble recovery. Nelson's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17619196/671dda0c8008bc5b64027674">junior highlight video</a> shows his promise on both sides of the ball. In the first clip, he gets open down the seam and picks up yards after the catch. The next two clips have him harassing the quarterback, including a strip sack. Nelson's frame has room to fill out while keeping the athleticism that makes him an attractive prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1370627"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68348a00856c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Greene County advanced to the second round of the playoffs last fall. Daugherty was a big reason why. The junior contributed on offense but stood out on the other side of the ball. He finished with 72.5 tackles (37 solo, 1.0 TFL) with an interception and a fumble recovery. Pop on Daugherty's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17703522/672fba021660b525b2261b13">11th-grade highlight video</a>, and you will witness a high-motor defender that finds his way to the football. On top of that, he makes the defense better by carrying out his assignments and playing within the system. You can tell he studies film based on his quick diagnosing of plays. The tape includes a clip of him carrying the ball, where you see more of his athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1241408"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68348ad75ba2a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Lions ran the heck out of the ball last season even though the opposition knew it was coming. Potter was a big reason why they piled up more than 2,400 yards on the ground competing in the state's largest classification. Junior highlights on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17709747/cole-potter/highlights">Hudl page</a> provide insight into how Potter punishes dudes locking up with him. Potter is a unique offensive lineman. Linn-Mar lines him up at left tackle and center. He's proficient in both spots as a blocker that mauls folks in close quarters and can take guys out in space. Potter's frame has room to fill out and add strength. He should be receiving more attention on the recruiting trail.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1242264"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68348ad75baa9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the state's most historically successful programs, Harlan reached the postseason again in 2024. McDowell was at the center of a lot of the success. On offense, he caught 12 passes for 193 yards and four touchdowns. McDowell racked up 37.5 tackles (23 solo, 5.0 TFL) and 3.0 sacks, picked off two balls and recovered two fumbles. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18219652/67c127fa372b148f3583d5ed">junior highlight video</a> impresses. Disrupting the opponent's plans coming off of the edge, McDowell creates turnovers and produces lost yardage. He also operates well in the middle, sniffing out the rush and taking out the running back. McDowell is athletic and fast, while also playing with physicality. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->