PRZIA ’26 Rankings Update Position Breakdown: QB

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   The final set of rankings is officially out with the latest <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Class of 2026 rankings</a> update! This was a big update with over 150 new players bringing our totals to 478 ranked prospects and 250+ watchlist players. As we have done with the recent updates, Rob and I will be doing position breakdowns where we cover some of the top prospects in each positional group and deliver insights into their recruitment and film breakdown.   Now, I am onto the QBs, where we have a talented, but under-the-radar group with the tape and production to turn some heads on the recruiting trail. WDM Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='401870' first='Drake' last='DeGroote'] holds on to the top spots, with Mount Vernon/Drake commit [player_tooltip player_id='1581168' first='Kellen' last='Haverback'] and Iowa City Liberty's [player_tooltip player_id='1552779' first='Reece' last='Rettig'] right up there.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    <a href="https://x.com/Drake_DeGroote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Drake_DeGroote)</a>   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='401870' first='Drake' last='DeGroote'] and company were on the footsteps of claiming the 5A championship and will look to build on that this fall with another explosive offense. As a junior, Drake had a great season in which he threw for 1,816 yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 212 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, a 67% completion rate, and a QBR of 169.9. My biggest takeaway from Drake's junior tape is his vision, both pre-snap and during the play. He does a good job identifying coverages before the snap, showing that he knows where his matchup advantages are and can attack them immediately. He also does a good job moving off his first read and going through his progressions when his initial target is not available. DeGroote's arm talent also stands out with his ability to throw with touch or zip when trying to fit it into tight windows. Good ball placement and timing on his throws, putting it in a good spot for his receiver to continue running for extra yardage after the catch. He adds extra value with his running ability, showing that he can scramble for the first down when needed. Drake holds a solid list of offers from schools, including Minnesota State-Mankato, Upper Iowa, Northwest Missouri State, and Sioux Falls.      <a href="https://x.com/ReeceRettig" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@ReeceRettig)</a>   Liberty QB [player_tooltip player_id='1552779' first='Reece' last='Rettig'] had quite the breakout season last fall as he lit up defenses week in and week out. Reece was extremely efficient in leading the Lightning offense, recording 2,719 pass yards, 482 rushing yards, 32 passing touchdowns, six rushing touchdowns, a 73% completion rate, and a 202.8 QBR. Reece is a straight-up sharpshooter from the pocket with his ability to quickly find his open target and deliver a dart right to their hands. Another thing that stood out was Rettig's excellent job of evading the pass rush, showing that he can maneuver the pocket and roll out while keeping his eyes downfield looking for a receiver. He has the arm strength to push the deep ball with accuracy as well as make quick, sharp throws to the short and intermediate levels. Reece is a very good athlete with the ball in his hands, as shown by his ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Smart and efficient passer. Surprisingly, Rettig is still awaiting his first offer... don't miss out on this talented gunslinger!      <a href="https://x.com/caljepsen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@caljepsen)</a>   The Black Raiders look to be a dark horse in 5A with a great group of returning players, including their starting QB, [player_tooltip player_id='1238521' first='Cal' last='Jepsen']. Cal was great leading the offense, recording 2,373 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, a 64% completion rate, and a QBR of 158.5. Cal displays good control of the offense with his ability to lead drives and make smart decisions with the football. He does a good job getting the ball out quickly once he locks in on his target and has good placement on his throws. He can fit the ball into small passing windows, putting good velocity on the ball, and delivers a tight, catchable spiral. Good eye for pressure— Jepsen showed the mobility and footwork to side-step the pass rush or spill out of the pocket to extend the play. Cal currently has an offer from Grand View and will likely grow that list with a strong senior campaign.      Norwalk's [player_tooltip player_id='1619680' first='James' last='Hatlevig'] has been a riser on my board this spring after strong performances at the PRZ and UW River Falls camps. James flashed a high ceiling as a junior when he threw for 1,614 yards, 18 touchdowns, a 58% completion rate, and a 140.1 QBR. Hatlevig stands out immediately with his prototypical size at 6'5" and 200 pounds, with room to continue adding mass to his frame. He's able to stand tall in the pocket and deliver quick strikes to all levels of the field with his strong arm. One thing that really stands out from James' tape is that he might have the best deep ball in this cycle, with great distance, air time, and placement, making him a threat to strike from anywhere. From watching his tape to when I saw him a few weeks ago, it seems like James has been hard at work to fine-tune some of his mechanics, looking sharper already going into his senior year. James received his first offer a month ago from Waldorf, and I think he will be a player who will blow up once more teams catch on.      <a href="https://x.com/judah_lock" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@judah_lock)</a>   Grand View Christian QB [player_tooltip player_id='1100526' first='Judah' last='Lock'] is someone to keep a close eye on this season as he has the tools and weapons to lead the Thunder on a run. Judah had solid production as a junior, throwing for 2,070 yards, 19 touchdowns, a 55% completion rate, and a 128.9 QBR. Lock is another player who seems to have turned it up a notch this offseason with improved accuracy and ball placement, as well as some extra juice on his throws. Judah showed as a junior his ability to read defenses by moving through his progressions and picking at the soft spots in the coverage. Good touch on his throws, which seem to drop right in his receiver's hands and keep them in stride. Lock doesn't run a whole lot, but he does have the athleticism to spring free for a first down or touchdown near the goalline when he sees the opportunity. Judah has been very busy this offseason with camps, 7v7s, and has recently picked up his first offer from Mount Marty. Stock rising for the Thunder's QB1!     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.