Unranked Iowa 2026s Emerging On Tape

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a big summer just around the corner, we are working hard to update our evaluations of prospects across the state of Iowa. We hope to cover as much ground as possible before summer camps and visits start.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are five junior prospects who are currently flying under the radar!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1668461"],"_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-681aae27cd0bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/zelson_17" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@zelson_17) </a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Surprisingly, Tri-Center's [player_tooltip player_id='1668461' first='Zach' last='Nelson'] flew under the radar in our last update, but is a lock to make a nice debut after a prolific receiving season. En route to helping the Trojans capture the Class A state championship, Zach hauled in 73 receptions for 1,118 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Nelson also proved to be a force on defense with 29.5 tackles, four interceptions, and three fumble recoveries (one returned for a TD). Zach is a taller receiver at 6'3" who does a great job extending and maximizing his lengthy frame to give his QB a big catch radius to throw to. His size allows for instant mismatches, especially on jump balls, where he can elevate and attack the ball at the highest point. Good body control when adjusting to the pass and reliable hands through the catch process. I was also impressed with Zach's burst and ability to tack on yards after the catch, showing he can fight through contact and break away from defenses in the open field. Top tier playmaker!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17675824/67507c0bf944d22bcd577d59' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681aae27cd3b2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1668467"],"_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-681aae27cd42f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/LSteward70" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@LSteward70)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Big time upcoming addition in West Marshall's [player_tooltip player_id='1668467' first='Luke' last='Steward'] who should make a nice debut when rankings come out. The towering 6'5", 315-pound two-way lineman was impressive on tape with his blend of size and power, which made him a force on the interior defensive line and a scary sight to see when he pulled as a guard on offense. Defensively, Luke does a great job occupying space at the line of scrimmage with a strong base that allows him to anchor down and clog up inside run lanes. He's smart with his hand placement when engaging in blocks and knows how to use his big, strong mitts to rip away from blockers. On both sides of the ball, Luke impressed with his aggressiveness at the point of attack, showing the explosiveness and physicality to win on initial contact and generate a great push for either his RB to run through or his LBs to use to spill into the backfield. Very mean blocker who is always looking to finish his blocks on the ground. Luke has already received a D1 offer from Drake, with more likely on the way as soon as teams catch on!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23371514/673d15c428075f250ead4d8c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681aae27cd476"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1579473"],"_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-681aae27cd4e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/cole_friessen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@cole_friessen)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Incoming senior [player_tooltip player_id='1579473' first='Cole' last='Friessen'] is a player primed to break out this fall, with the Blackhawks losing a fair amount of production from last season. Cole ended the '24 season second on the team in rushing yards with 757 yards and 10 touchdowns on 121 carries. Cole is a versatile runner who can use his speed and twitch to make defenders miss, while also displaying a powerful base that keeps him upright when fighting through contact. Even as a taller back, Cole does a good job keeping his pad level low, running with a forward lean that helps him drive through tackles and fall for positive yardage when defenses finally bring him down. Friessen is also dynamic as a receiver with 14 catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns, showing he can line up in the slot or be a target coming out of the backfield. I also see defensive upside with Cole after he posted 32 tackles and three interceptions (one returned for a TD). Friessen is listed as an OLB, but fits more of a nickel-type role where he can roam in coverage while still being free to break downhill when he triggers the run. Very smart and instinctive with the ball skills to go up and snag the ball for himself. Great athlete who should get looks on both sides of the ball!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18065757/674d2d77a523797f61bb15bd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681aae27cd529"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1669006"],"_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-681ac2acb431c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/LincolnOlt71887" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@LincolnOlt71887)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CR Kennedy's [player_tooltip player_id='1669006' first='Lincoln' last='Oltmann'] is another beast in the trenches who caught my attention on tape. Lincoln is a tall offensive tackle prospect at 6'4" with great length to his frame and room to continue packing on mass as well. He does a great job firing out of his stance and shooting his hands with a strong jab. Once he's made powerful initial contact, Oltmann is smart about moving his hands inside and has the leg drive to move defenders off their spot. Lincoln also showed that he has the lateral quickness needed to stay mirrored with edge rushers, while keeping his footwork consistent as he's locked in in pass protection. This mobility also spills into his run blocking where he does a good job working his way up to the second level and has the awareness to pick up defenders on the fly. Consistent pad level, works through the whistle, and still tons of untapped upside... definitely a guy to start looking into ASAP!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17728405/671e86ad0f40bd6948781113' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681ac2acb44cf"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1668488"],"_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-681aae27cd5a4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/wgoodlove27" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@wgoodlove27)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mount Vernon looks ready to make another run at the Dome with a great group of returning players from a tough Mustang team last season. Goodlove played in the Mustangs' secondary, recording 29 tackles and an interception. Will spent most of his playing time at cornerback, but I believe he could play safety at the next level, where he can use his vision to scan the field and then quickly break on the ball. He plays a physical game and knows how to use his hands to break up passes at the catch point. Solid tackler who can disengage from blocks on the perimeter and step in to defend the run. Still some raw aspects to Will's game, but worth getting on campus for camp for evals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18312526/68013b863769bd1b1d4d12cb' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681aae27cd5de"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure to follow&nbsp;<em>@PRZ_OscarG</em>&nbsp;for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->