'26 Rankings Update: Impressive Uncommitted Seniors on the Rise

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   The final update for the Iowa 2026 class was released earlier this week with some huge changes to our rankings, including over 150 new names to our list. Most D1-level programs have already put the finishing touches on their '26 hauls, but there are still several teams from the D2-Juco level that are still on the hunt for gems in this senior class.   Here are a few uncommitted Iowa '26s who could be steals at this point in the recruiting timeline:   Full <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IOWA 2026 RANKINGS</a>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1814139' first='Jai' last='White'], ATH - Waukee - 6'1" 190 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Jaiwhite_/media" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Jaiwhite_)</a>   The Waukee Warriors were stacked with dynamic playmakers scattered throughout the roster, including multi-faceted senior [player_tooltip player_id='1814139' first='Jai' last='White']. Jai is a player who could play on offense or defense and has the upside to be a great returner. White ended his senior season with 283 rushing yards, 151 receiving yards, 250 return yards, six rushing touchdowns, a receiving touchdown, and a kickoff return touchdown. What stands out most in Jai's tape is his burst and his ability to move with the ball in his hands. He does a great job finding small creases in the defense, or he can use his quick acceleration to outrun defenders to the edge. Once he's found some daylight, he has the speed to break away for a nice long gain. White displays good contact balance, which, when combined with his 6'1", 190-pound frame, makes him very hard to tackle when he gets a full head of steam. Defensively, I think he has the instincts and athleticism to be a consistent contributor in the secondary, either at corner or in the slot.    [player_tooltip player_id='1705159' first='Elite' last='Mbulekoya'], DL - Iowa City West - 6'2" 240 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/EliteMbule" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@EliteMbule)</a>   Although the stats may not "pop" off the page, Iowa City West's [player_tooltip player_id='1705159' first='Elite' last='Mbulekoya'] is a player who I think is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. Elite is a solid-looking prospect with a well-built, athletic frame with solid size and length at 6'2", 240 pounds. His motor and tireless pursuit stand out on tape, as he consistently finds himself near the ball during reps. Mbulekoya does a great job getting off the ball and has the strength to generate a decent push at the point of attack. There are still some raw traits here, but with more reps and continued development in the weight room, Elite could become a solid contributor at the collegiate level.    [player_tooltip player_id='1619680' first='James' last='Hatlevig'], QB - Norwalk - 6'5' 200 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Jameshatlevig08" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Jameshatlevig08)</a>   One prospect who is looking like a total steal at this point in the '26 cycle is Norwalk QB [player_tooltip player_id='1619680' first='James' last='Hatlevig'], who is coming off his best season yet. Hatlevig looked sharp as he threw for 1,833 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and a 140.6 QBR with only two interceptions. Hatlevig stands out physically with prototypical size at 6'5" and 205 pounds, which allows him to stand tall in the pocket and scan the entire field. James' "bread-and-butter" throws are his deep passes, where he displays the accuracy and arm strength to push the ball downfield. I was also impressed by Hatlevig's patience in the pocket as he scans the field and moves through his progressions well before finding the open target and delivering a quick strike. Hatlevig didn't put up huge numbers on the ground, but he did show enough juice to pick up yards on crucial downs. All the tools are in place for Hatlevig to have a solid collegiate career.    [player_tooltip player_id='2005674' first='Gavin' last='Steenhoek'], WR - PCM - 5'9" 160 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/GSteenhoek">(@GSteenhoek)</a>   Two-way star [player_tooltip player_id='2005674' first='Gavin' last='Steenhoek'] continues to rise after turning some heads as a junior and having an even bigger senior campaign. Gavin exploded for 38 receptions, 848 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns with another 19 tackles and an impressive seven interceptions (2 pick-sixes) on defense. Although Gavin will be looked at as "undersized" by some metrics, it's clear to see from his tape that he can flat-out ball. Steenhoek is very twitchy with the ball in his hands, whether he's picking up YAC, returning kicks (550 total return yards & 2 KO return touchdowns), or looking to take an interception to the house, he can find ways to make plays. I like his upside as a slot receiver who can also be used in creative ways to get him in space. At over 22 yards per reception, Gavin has proven he is a big-play threat who can stretch defenses vertically and hit the home run on any given play. Excellent vision and patience in following his blocks with the ability to change direction on a dime. Reliable hands. Scoop this guy up ASAP!    [player_tooltip player_id='1241494' first='Elijah' last='Cosby'], RB - Ames - 5'9" 200 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/kidddeli/media" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@kidddeli)</a>   A bit of a sleeper in the '26 RB group, Ames' [player_tooltip player_id='1241494' first='Elijah' last='Cosby'] looks like a player with the potential to make some waves at the next level. Cosby's stats may not jump off the page with only 63 carries for 215 yards and a rushing touchdown, but having watched him perform at camps and on tape, it's clear there's upside here. He's a strong, sturdy back at 5'9" and 200 pounds with overlooked speed and burst that helps him explode through his gaps while also having the strength to power through tackle attempts. Elijah isn't a super flashy runner, but he does have the shiftiness to make sharp jump cuts and spin out of would-be tackles while in tight quarters.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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