Iowa 1A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Iowa City Regina

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An early look at some of the top teams in each class, now to Class 1A. 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><strong>Offense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Losing one of the most prolific dual-threat quarterbacks in all classes to graduation and their top rusher to transfer, Iowa City Regina who is looking to avenge their runner-up finish in 2026, will look quite different this time around. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who steps up at quarterback looks to be between [player_tooltip player_id='1657941' first='Aiden' last='Gaffey'] and Zachary Poe, but the weapons at their disposal will be amongst the best in 1A next season. Starting off in the passing game, tight end [player_tooltip player_id='466364' first='Tate' last='Wallace'] is back as one of the top players at his position(s) in all classes. Wallace, most known for his abilities on the defensive side of the ball that have earned him offers from programs like Minnesota, Tennessee, Kansas State, West Virginia and others, is also one of the top pass-catchers in the state. Last season, he totaled 40 receptions for 611 yards and ten touchdowns, while also serving as a key blocker in the run game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of the run game -- one player, and his recruitment should benefit the most from the new-look backfield. Soon-to-be junior tailback, [player_tooltip player_id='1605331' first='Gabriel' last='Hegelheimer'] will likely get the majority of the carries next season after running the ball just 25 times for 294 yards (11.8 yards per carry) and six touchdowns in 2025. A bowling ball of a back with explosion and the power to run over just about anyone in front of him, Hegelheimer stands at a stout 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds with the potential to be a linebacker or another defensive position in college. Whatever position he plays at the next level, he has Power 4 written all over him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the defensive side of the ball, Regina loses the 1A leader in interceptions, but returns a good chunk of production elsewhere. Of course, it all starts with Wallace, who posted 49.5 tackles, including a monstrous 18 tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and 8.5 sacks to go with two forced fumbles. Projecting to the next level as a defensive end or linebacker, Wallace is as intimidating of a match up as they come in 1A, standing at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other side of the Regal defensive line is [player_tooltip player_id='2044013' first='Will' last='Litton'], who also earned <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/all-state-teams-iowa-class-1a-defense/">an All-State nod</a> in his first year of varsity football at Regina. Litton, who has begun to emerge as a Division I prospect on the outside, posted 37.5 tackles, including 12.5 TFLs and five sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bit of an unsung hero for the Regina defense, [player_tooltip player_id='2044076' first='Luke' last='Hamilton'] actually led the Regals in tackles this year, posting 55 including 8.5 TFLs and two sacks. Adding an interception and two pass-breakups, Hamilton was one of the more productive defensive players for Regina, and his consistency at the MIKE linebacker poosition could be the key to getting over the hump in 2026. Hegelheimer may find a spot in the LB rotation too, after seeing some time at DT last season and registering ten tackles, 3.5 TFLs and a sack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Special Teams:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a reserve role on offense and defense in 2026, Hegelheimer was most valuable to the Regals on special teams. Holding down kicking duties, Hegelheimer provided 81 kickoffs (24 touchbacks), made all four of his field goal attempts (including a long of 38 yards) and finished 62-for-62 on PATs. He also returned 11 kicks for 317 yards (28.8 yards per return) and one touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For a team that came up just short of the 1A state title in 2025, Hegelheimer's kicking could be pivotal in another run to Cedar Falls in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->