Iowa 5A Way-Too-Early 2026 Title Contenders: Dowling Catholic

Dowling Catholic 2028 Carter Barrett. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Redzone)

Eliot Clough December 16, 2025 @ 01:48 PM

An early look at some of the top teams in each class, starting with Class 5A. We'll profile several programs that look to return the talent necessary to compete for a state championship in 2026.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/iowa-5a-way-too-early-2026-title-contenders-waukee-northwest/">Iowa 5A Way-Too-Early 2026 Title Contenders: Waukee Northwest</a>   Offense:   One of the best programs perennially in the state of Iowa, Dowling Catholic loses a lot from its 2025 5A state championship team. Luckily, as they often do, the Marrons will look to reload, rather than rebuild. Starting at quarterback, Dowling will presumably be led by [player_tooltip player_id='1361134' first='Ethan' last='La Cava'], a junior who filled in for [player_tooltip player_id='401674' first='Joey' last='Nahas'] in blowouts this fall, completing 9-of-19 passes (47.4%) for 130 yards and a touchdown. Thanks to his camp performances, LaCava has already received interest from programs like Iowa, Iowa State, Northern Iowa, Drake, North Dakota and others.   Also coming back despite the departure of <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/prep-redzone-iowa-2025-mr-football-elite-all-state/">Prep Redzone Iowa Mr. Football</a>, [player_tooltip player_id='856072' first='Ian' last='Middleton'], are soon-to-be juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1588666' first='Henry' last='Smid'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1588716' first='Grayson' last='Pennington'], who combined for 116 carries for 575 yards and seven touchdowns in reserve roles at running back.   Returning arguably the top-rated 2028 prospect in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='1583613' first='Carter' last='Barrett'], who holds offers from programs like Alabama, Iowa, Missouri, Penn State, Tennessee and others, the 6-foot-6 and 285-pound linemen will look to be one of the most dominant OL in Iowa history over the next two seasons. Luckily for the Marrons, they'll also return 6-foot, 230-pound guard [player_tooltip player_id='1617545' first='Kade' last='Krause'] and fellow 2028 Power 4 OL prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='1286887' first='Evan' last='Mitchell'], who stands at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds.   Defense:   Defensively, it's a bit more of the same. Dowling loses seven of their top eight tacklers from last season, including a couple Division I commits. However, the top tackler on the squad, [player_tooltip player_id='513361' first='Carlos' last='Blount Jr'] will return for his senior season in West Des Moines. The 6-foot, 210 pound middle linebacker, who put together 68 tackles, four tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and 2.5 sacks will return, seeking his first Division I offer.   On the backend, All-State defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1198837' first='Jeremiah' last='Roberson'] is back after posting a team-leading four picks -- including a critical, tip-drill interception against Valley in the state semis -- and 27.5 tackles this fall. While, upfront, [player_tooltip player_id='1617528' first='Brady' last='Hagan'] will be looked to for leadership on the defensive line as the returning TFL leader, posting 28 tackles, including five TFLs and two sacks.

An early look at some of the top teams in each class, starting with Class 5A. We'll profile several programs that look to return the talent necessary to compete for a state championship in 2026.