’27 Rankings Update | New QB Names to Watch

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   In case you missed it, the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2027-rankings/">Class of 2027 Rankings Update</a> dropped on New Year's Eve. I wrote an <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/27-update-closer-look-at-how-rankings-came-together/">overarching piece</a> on the update. Then we turned our attention towards writing about student-athletes grouped by position.   At this stage of the game, we've written quite a few words on members of this graduating class. Many of the seniors-to-be in these rankings have become known names along the prospecting trail.   While we'll continue to write about that group, we wanted to dive into guys being highlighted in our positional breakdowns that have received less attention or are being introduced to the data base for the first time. It just kept with our goal of writing about as many student-athletes as possible.   Today, we take a closer look at guys playing quarterback:    Mielke backed up Bishop Heelan's starting quarterback during the Crusaders' run to the Class 3A state championship game. He also contributed on defense. It was a developmental year, in many ways, with the potential for setting a super senior season. Mielke completed 8 of 19 throws for 153 yards and a touchdown against an interception. He also contributed 24 yards on the ground, and all five of his tackles were solo with one stop for loss. He punted three times, and listed end of summer max outs of 220 pounds (Hang Clean), 225 (Bench), 375 (Deadlift Barbell) and 315 (Squat), further illustrating his athleticism and strength. The left-hander shows an easy throwing motion when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16845144/66e08e9bda4c9b76b3523e01">sophomore highlight video</a> from 2024. Film from this fall is <a href="https://x.com/EliMielke/status/1970197091478819095?s=20">HERE</a>. He also pushes the ball downfield without a lot of effort and can drop the ball into receivers' hands over defenders. It will be interesting to watch how Mielke performs at college camps this summer because he already has their attention without much varsity film.     To say I was impressed with DeJong's play during the state semifinals and finals this season would be an understatement. The tall, long-limbed athlete quarterbacked West Lyon to the Class 1A state championship. The junior completed 63.8 percent of his throws for 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns against only two interceptions. He also rushed for 558 yards (9.0 YPC) and nine scores, caught a pair of passes for 28 yards and two TDs, and added a couple of two-point conversions. DeJong is a good athlete with a projectable frame capable of adding strength and good weight without the loss of it. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17075256/693aee9ad531264e950c9818">11th-grade highlight video</a> impresses. DeJong has a big arm, can fit the ball into tight windows and makes good decisions. He's a kid worthy of more attention on the recruiting trail.     There are always a collection of student-athletes at the state championships in the UNI-Dome that outperform our expectations. It's important to say "our" expectations compared to "their." They're confident, poised and impactful. Edwards fits that description. He lined up behind center when Wilton reached the semifinals after road wins at West Branch and PCM. He completed 57.4 percent of his passes for 1,873 yards and 17 touchdowns. Edwards rushed for 452 yards (4.2 YPC) and five scores, and added a two-point conversion. The junior impressed me with his well-rounded skill set and toughness. He handled pressure well while under siege against eventual state champion Kuemper Catholic in the final four. Edwards threw for 199 yards and a touchdown. He also contributed 51 yards on the ground. Edwards is a dual-threat signal caller and a good athlete, which would keep open the door for a position switch on the next level if a staff saw it as a better path to his ceiling.     Mount Pleasant quietly put together a strong 2025 season. The Panthers' balanced offense was quarterbacked by Walker, a junior. He completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 1,181 yards and 11 touchdowns against only three interceptions. Walker added 65 rushing yards. A varsity basketball player and the track team's top 400 runner as a sophomore in 2025, he's a guy who some colleges might view as a quarterback or at another position with his athleticism. When we check out Walker's clips on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16717137/Gray-Walker/highlights">Hudl page</a>, there isn't a lot to go on. But what we can see reveals his skills as a quarterback comfortable with the RPO game, capable of dinging defenses with quick throws or tucking the ball and picking up ground yards. Walker could benefit from attending college team camps this spring and summer so staffs on that level can determine if his best path is to stay behind center or shift to another position.     The last two starting quarterbacks at Iowa City Liberty have had one thing in common - they delivered consistent production with their arms and legs. During his limited number of reps for the Lightning in 2025, when it reached the state title game for the first time in the young program's history, Berner operated like he could keep that trend going. The junior completed 65.5 of his passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. He picked up five yards on his only carry. Berner might be more of a pure passer than his predecessors while still having the mobility to pick up ground yards and keep plays alive off schedule. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19357974/emerson-berner/highlights">Hudl page</a> houses a few clips from this season and a highlight video from his sophomore campaign. Berner owns a strong arm capable of fitting the ball through tight windows and a quick release. With another offseason of development ahead, he's a prime breakout pick for 2026.     Mangal served as the varsity backup quarterback behind a multi-year starter capable of competing on the next level. Next fall could be Mangal's chance to breakout as a senior starter, however. He appears to have a skill set built for success when we watch his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19508555/6935d6f21732353c1b8d3adf">junior highlight video</a>. Mangal completed three of his five varsity passes for 59 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Pocket presence is a strength as is the ability to throw accurately while on the move. He's athletic and nibble, enabling Mangal to pick up yards on the ground or keep plays alive by avoiding the rush. His throwing form is technically sound and velocity is achieved without a great deal of effort. College camps could be beneficial to offseason development in preparation for game reps.

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