Iowa Senior QB Watchlist for 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we conclude our coverage of the 2025 high school season across Iowa, we take a look now at some of the prospective names that have established themselves as must-watch players across the state, starting off with the top upperclassmen signal callers who will look to thrive as the premier faces of the upcoming senior class of 2027. We take a look today at 8 senior QBs to watch out for across high school football in Iowa for 2026!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1827747"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693c6a335e18f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For those who weren't familiar with [player_tooltip player_id='1827747' first='Cash' last='Parks'] heading into the 2025 season, they will certainly recognize him now as Parks led Xavier to an unprecedented run to perfection as they claimed their 2nd 4A state title in 4 years. Parks finished with 2220 passing yards, 28 TDs, and only 2 INTs while rushing for 383 yards and 10 rushing TDs. Parks completed 72.7% of his attempts and his passer rating of 232.5 ranked 4th most among Iowa QBs with over 100 passing attempts last season. Parks was the real deal last season, playing with a calm, cool presence in the pocket, being able to nail deep throws with pressure getting to his face, and showing natural release along with great reads on his progressions. Parks will be a name that should likely skyrocket on the QB rankings entering his senior season as he will look to round out his high school career by defending the Saints' 4A title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1204436"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693c6a335e1fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1204436' first='Mack' last='Heitland'] put up massive numbers in his junior season, more impressive noting how dominant his performance was as he tore apart fellow 5A secondaries with ease. Heitland completed nearly 80% of his passes, with his 2962 passing yards ranking 2nd most in the entire state. Heitland had a perfect 28-0 TD-INT ratio while adding 4 rushing TDs. Heitland showed impressive power and deep-ball placement, often placing the pass perfectly to where the receiver can get ahead and make the catch in stride. Heitland didn't run the ball a whole lot, but he's very elusive out of the pocket, being able to scamper around the defense for big yardage, and showing excellent accuracy on the run as well. Heitland will be a priority name to watch out for in 2026 as Heitland looks to earn a 5A championship to round out his high school career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1896856"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693c6a335e24a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After his older brother Brody graduated last season, [player_tooltip player_id='1896856' first='Brooks' last='Weber'] inherited the starting QB job at Mid-Prairie, where he immediately thrived as a first-year starter. Weber threw for 1973 yards, 30 TDs, and 9 INTs as he guided the team to a 9-2 record, their highest win total since 2013. I was really impressed with several of Weber's deep throws, as there were several clips from his tape of him taking low shots as he thew the ball and still nailing a deep strike in stride to his receivers. Weber works best outside of the pocket, doing a great job at extending the play to find his targets downfield while also showing excellent accuracy over the middle. With Weber under Center, Mid-Prairie could be a dark horse for contend for the 2A conference entering the 2026 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["600173"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693c6a335e295"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taking on the difficult task of succeeding QB Jack Wallace after a dominant campaign in 2024, [player_tooltip player_id='600173' first='Reece' last='Wheeler'] performed admirably well taking the reigns as the starting QB for the Trojans. Wheeler threw for 2280 yards, 22 TDs, and 5 INTs while adding 213 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs. Wheeler had hit-or-miss moments, but his improvisational skills were impressive, and when they hit, they were spectacular highlight-reel moments that would leave his opponents stunned. Wheeler shows great mobility outside of the pocket and is dangerous on the read-option, and he flashed a solid arm that has solid deep-ball range as well. Wheeler will look to fine-tune his mechanics as he looks to mirror Wallace by putting up a huge senior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2048882"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693c6a335e2de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2048882' first='Eli' last='Harpenau'] put up huge numbers in 2025 as he guided MMCRU unexpectedly to a perfect campaign and a Class A state championship this season. Harpenau threw for 1983 yards, 29 TDs and 10 INTs while rushing for 447 yards and 10 TDs on the ground. Harpenau's frame and pocket presence is impressive for a QB at one of the lower conference levels in the state, showing good progressions on his reads, and proving dynamic as a runner, while also flashing solid range with his arm. Harpenau may be a hidden small-school gem that should garner plenty of attention entering his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221251"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693c6a335e328"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taking over the starting reins for Johnston in 2025, [player_tooltip player_id='1221251' first='Trevin' last='Helming'] lived up to expectations as he quickly found his footing as a viable signal-caller at the 5A level. Helming threw for 1895 yards, 20 TDs, and only 3 INTs while rushing for 2 TDs. Helming has the makings of a gunslinger, with a strong release and cool pocket presence, not being afraid to take some shots. Helming took quite a bit of pressure last season, but he was able to maneuver through the pocket with good footwork while also taking the time to set his feet to improve his accuracy under duress. Johnston will have high expectations entering his senior season as he will look to stand out once again at the toughest conference level in Iowa. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1848693"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693c6a335e370"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After struggling to a 1-8 record last season, [player_tooltip player_id='1848693' first='Ezra' last='Hibma'] led Sioux Center on a massive single-season turnaround to finish 9-2 and reach the 3A quarterfinals. Hibma threw for 1675 yards, 21 TDs, and 5 INTs while rushing for 484 yards and 7 rushing TDs. Hibma took multiple leaps forward in his junior season, showing improved progressions and great accuracy over the middle, along with a sense of improvisational dazzle, proving quite tricky for his opponents to bring down. Hibma will look to further improve on his consistency in the passing game as he enters his senior season looking to guide the Warriors to a deep playoff run at the 3A level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1204540"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693c6a335e3b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The star QB for Clear Lake didn't exactly match the statistical prowess compared to the other QBs on this list, but [player_tooltip player_id='1204540' first='Jaxson' last='McIntire'] continues to showcase his ability as a strong signal-caller who has been one of the biggest names to watch in the state. McIntire threw for 1605 yards, 19 TDs, and 8 INTs while rushing for 426 yards and 9 rushing TDs. McIntire did take a bit of a step back from his impressive sophomore debut, but he took steps forward with his consistency, with an improved 68.9% completion percentage, while also continuing to show good anticipation, athleticism, and strength as a dual-threat QB. McIntire continues to garner D1 attention as a DB, though he could make a case to earn offers as a QB at the D1 level very soon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->