Film Room: Iowa 2026s Poised for Super Senior Seasons

<!-- 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>A portion of Iowa's 2026 Class has found college homes. A lot more talent is there for the taking, however. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some seniors-to-be that can help programs on the next level:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1619921"],"_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-682df45a5ac71"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Knox contributed all around the field for Oskaloosa in 2024, especially standing out as a receiver, where he led the team in catches (34), yards (550) and touchdowns (4). He also racked up 18.5 tackles (14 solo, 2.0 TFL) and an interception on defense, averaged 18.8 yards on 11 kick returns and took a punt back 75 yards to the house. Knox's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16930135/670343e8096ee3107bb728ff">junior highlight video</a> is impressive. He operates well against man or zone coverage. Whether out of the slot or split wide, Knox runs crisp routes. Defenders underestimate his speed. His knack for winning contested balls helps round out his resume as a complete receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1588106"],"_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-682df45a5ad17"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A first-team all-district performer on defense in 2024, Kass finished up his junior campaign with 36.0 tackles (29 solo, 4.0 TFL), a sack and a pair of fumble recoveries. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17635358/679d3b3d45687401acdfc38c">junior highlight video</a> reveals a versatile and athletic defensive lineman. Kass is effective lining up at different spots along the front. He gets off of the snap quickly and into the chest of offensive linemen, often putting them on their heels. He runs well, helping him track down the ball even if its headed to the boundary. Kass' frame is lean right now, so it's easily capable of adding mass and strength without him losing the agility that makes him successful.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1240484"],"_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-682df45a5adb7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Bombers reached the postseason in 2024 with Gibson catching 23 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns, all team highs. He also contributed 22.0 tackles (19 solo, 2.0 TFL) and a pair of interceptions. On special teams, he averaged 23.6 yards on 11 kick returns and returned a punt for 15 yards. The athleticism that allows for that versaility shines through on Gibson's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18269866/6782c58518336a8fa1d529d8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">junior highlight video</a>. Ballard utilizes his elusiveness by getting the ball into his hands in space on offense. He lines up all around the formation and often is put in motion. Defensively, he shows good hip movement and actions in the secondary. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1370624"],"_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-682df45a5ae64"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Central Lee rumbled for 5.2 yards per carry last season with Thornburg being a key piece of the offensive line. When we pop on his junior highlight videos from his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18657563/camden-thornburg/highlights" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl page</a>, a stout interior force appears. Thornburg fires off of the snap when lining up at right guard. He understands angles and sealing defenders out of the play. Thornburg keeps his pads low and drives with his legs. Proper hand placement and playing through the whistle are other positive traits for Thornburg. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1238503"],"_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-682df45a5aef4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Peck contributed eight receptions for 135 yards and a pair of touchdowns last season. He operated on an offense with plenty of mouths to feed, many of whom were seniors. Graduation losses and his development positions Peck for an increased role in 2025. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17728392/675084963d293446cc8a4307">junior highlight video</a> provides evidence that there's potential for success with greater responsibilities. Operating out of the slot, Peck finds holes in the defense and stresses them with his abilities after the catch. He's at ease catching the ball in traffic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1370600"],"_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-682df45a5af8c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cherokee somehow missed the postseason last year despite winning six games. With Campbell and others back, it could break through in 2025. He contributed 15.0 tackles (7 solo) as a junior on the defensive line and was a key member of the O-Line. When watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14884932/673bfc43b9303084609dde43">11th-grade highlight video</a>, we see Campbell operating at a high level. The first-team all-district right guard is proficient whether in pass pro or paving the way for the rush. Campbell is light on his feet but also generates impressive power. He's agile and athletic enough to reach blocks in space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->