Iowa 3A Way-Too-Early 2026 Title Contenders: Solon

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An early look at some of the top teams in each class, starting with Class 3A. We'll profile several programs that look to return the talent necessary to compete for a state championship in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/iowa-3a-way-too-early-2026-title-contenders-sioux-center/">Iowa 3A Way-Too-Early 2026 Title Contenders: Sioux Center</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/iowa-3a-way-too-early-2026-title-contenders-clear-lake/">Iowa 3A Way-Too-Early 2026 Title Contenders: Clear Lake</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><b>O</b><strong>ffense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Replacing a senior quarterback for the second season in a row and not having a clear cut RB1 going into next season, Solon will lack some continuity on offense. If there's any school that can overcome those disadvantages, it's one of the most storied programs of the 21st century, the Spartans. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It certainly helps that they return <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/all-state-teams-iowa-class-3a-offense/">All-State receiver</a>, [player_tooltip player_id='1532898' first='Maddox' last='Kelley']. A junior this fall, Kelley grabbed 50 receptions for 702 yards and a 3A-leading 14 receiving touchdowns. He also took 64 carries for 371 yards and 12 touchdowns. Also emerging as a secondary star in the passing game this fall, [player_tooltip player_id='1885005' first='Kaden' last='Hoeper'] caught 42 passes for 691 yards and nine touchdowns. Where Kelley was a playmaker in space that was a threat to score any time he touched the ball, Hoeper complimented him as a "go up and get it" receiver that could grab 50-50 balls. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throw in [player_tooltip player_id='1693683' first='Cody' last='Milliman'] who caught 35 passes for 516 yards and four touchdowns, and whomever starts for the Spartans next fall will have a plethora of weapons to pass the ball to. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some stars return on the defensive side of the ball, too, for Solon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team-leader in tackles-for-loss (TFLs), 6-foot-3 and 220-pound defensive end, James Thomsen got after opposing offenses, posting 12.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks for the Spartans. [player_tooltip player_id='1204514' first='Lucas' last='Feuerbach'] and Simon Einwalter are also expected to be back after combining for 24 TFLs and six sacks in 2025. Feuerbach will be the top returning tackler, as well, who posted 53 tackles last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelley was integral to the defensive attack, too, grabbing a team-leading six interceptions and returning two for touchdowns. The punt returner for Solon to boot, Kelley returned 15 punts for 234 yards and a score. A key piece on all three phases of the game, Kelley will be critical for another successful Spartan season in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->