Class 5A Senior OL Watchlist for 2025

Wrapping up our search of the top senior blockers on the trenches across Iowa, we move up to Class 5A to find the best of the best of this upcoming class, with this list boasting several names that are ranked among the top players on our rankings leaderboard overall heading into their senior seasons. We reveal 8 upcoming senior OL from Class 5A Iowa that should be on your radar in 2025!    Starting off this list is none other than the top OL in Iowa for this upcoming class, [player_tooltip player_id='1221926' first='Carson' last='Nielsen'], who already has committed to play for the Hawkeyes. Nielsen boasts a tall, imposing frame on the line with plenty of length that makes him quite a difficult matchup as a Left Tackle. Nielsen moves well in space, showing great speed pulling inside and reaching defenders at the second level to open up lanes on the ground. Nielsen plays so naturally as a blindside blocker, playing with a wide, but balanced stance, showing great footwork moving laterally to mirror the edge rusher's movements, and not letting anyone get through or around him. The Hawkeyes were able to keep a stud in his home state, and Nielsen has done quite a lot already to cement his #1 ranking at his position heading into his final year at Waterloo West.     [player_tooltip player_id='1221954' first='Cael' last='Roberts'] is a beast playing at Right Tackle for Southeast Polk, and his presence helped the Rams win their 4th straight Class 5A championship last season. Roberts is as physical as they come, and he does a great job at constantly moving his feet and adjusting to pick off blocks on multiple defenders each play to create lanes in the run game. Roberts shows great hand placement and some really solid speed for his size, making him versatile as a run-blocker and pass-protector. Roberts has 2 offers currently, including a D1 offer from Northern Iowa. Roberts will look to lead the way for Southeast Polk's 5th straight Class 5A title in 2025.     Having been in the varsity lineup since his freshman year, [player_tooltip player_id='533048' first='Braylin' last='Dieken-Keahey'] has solidified his spot as a premium Right Tackle prospect. Playing with a relentless motor, Dieken-Keahey has shown on multiple occasions that he will not stop blocking until either the whistle is blown or until the defender gets dismantled to the ground. Dieken-Keahey excels in the run-game, showing the strength to easily pancake defenders, and working well to make blocks at the second level, making him as a viable blocker in the screen-pass game. Dieken-Keahey plays with a wide base and good footwork to make him a reliable pass protector as well. Dieken-Keahey announced his commitment to South Dakota State 2 weeks ago, and he'll look to cap off his high school career by helping Ankeny Centennial make a deep run in the postseason once again in 2025.     [player_tooltip player_id='1075432' first='Isaiah' last='King'] has been a big factor leading the trenches for Sioux City East's offense since becoming a starter at Right Tackle during his sophomore season. King's role proved vital as a pass-protector last year, helping Sioux City East rank in the top-5 in passing yards and touchdowns. King moves impressively quick in a pass set, maintaining his balance and keeping up well with speedy edge-rushers to keep the pocket clean. King also plays well blocking head-on in the run, leveraging defenders to the side and consistently driving defenders backward. King's performance last season increased his value and showed that he could excel at the next level at either Tackle or Guard. Another strong campaign at Sioux City East should really solidify that potential as a potent pass protector at the collegiate level.     A 3-year starter for Waukee Northwest's O-line, [player_tooltip player_id='1240556' first='Greyson' last='Beattie'] helped the Wolves finish last season as one of Class 5A's most proficient passing units, while ranking T-3rd in the conference in passing touchdowns (29). Playing at Left Guard, Beattie was able to consistently throw defenders aside, showing an impressive amount of raw strength and grit on the line considering his stouter frame. Beattie moves well in tight spaces, showing solid hand placement, and had a knack of knocking defenders over on impact. Beattie will have to bulk up a bit to match the physicality on the interior-line at the next level, but there are plenty of positive traits that could make Beattie worth the investment.     Returning to Southeast Polk, we move to the blocker who often played right next to Roberts on the trenches at Right Guard, [player_tooltip player_id='1238602' first='[player_tooltip player_id='1198121' first='Nathaniel' last='']' last='Sleh']. Sleh works well as a slide protector, moving well in tight space and utilizing leverage to twist players to the side and down to the ground. Sleh has plenty of raw strength and power in his arms with a solid base and a decent level of burst that could help utilize him in the run-game as a pull blocker. Sleh holds a couple of small-school offers currently, though he's clearly proven his worth as a potent blocker for an accomplished unit which allows him to stand out well among this upcoming class.     [player_tooltip player_id='1240477' first='Joe' last='Mausser'] certainly has a smaller frame among the blockers on this list, but he's been very reliable as an interior-lineman, helping WDM Valley rank in the top-5 in Class 5A in both total offensive yards and touchdowns. Mausser is consistently moving around on the line and looking for defenders to run down and make a block on. Mausser's smaller frame gives him more athleticism and speed than his fellow blockers, noting the sub-5 second 40 yard dash, but he plays with the same level of physicality and strength as anyone on the trenches. Mauser has built up to 255 lbs this offseason, and he holds 3 collegiate offers, including a D2 offer from Upper Iowa. Mausser is making a strong case to show that he can hold his own and has what it takes to take his skills to the next level.

Wrapping up our search of the top senior blockers on the trenches across Iowa, we move up to Class 5A to find the best of the best of this upcoming class, with this list boasting several names that are ranked among the top players on our rankings leaderboard overall heading into their senior seasons. We reveal 8 upcoming senior OL from Class 5A Iowa that should be on your radar in 2025!