Iowa Sophomores Ready to Break Out in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We made it. During the last few months, Prep Redzone Iowa has updated its 2026-2028 Class rankings and released its initial 2029 Watch List.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>More updates will be arriving in the spring as we dig into more film. So, if you haven't yet put together highlights from the 2025 season, there's time to post them before we reevaluate. It will run out quickly, however.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at new batch of guys to have on your radar:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2121454"],"_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-699e1a4d67486"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Valdez flashed upside as a Urbandale 10th-grader in 2025. Three of his 3.5 tackles were solo stops. He had 2.0 tackles for loss and a half sack. Special teams duties also were on his to-do list. He also spent time developing on the sophomore squad last fall. It's the type of year that could lead to larger contributions on the varsity moving forward. His frame certainly hints at potential as does the play he made on the <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19713991/6931c851e6058c67b7bfa16a"><strong>lone clip</strong></a> housed on his Hudl page. Valdez sets the edge, keeps the ball carrier in his sights and crashes down on him for a TFL. I'll be looking for more film this offseason and tracking the progress of his junior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2115690"],"_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-699e1e3bd54ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As a sophomore last fall, Phillips laid the ground work for what could be an breakout 2026 campaign. He hauled in eight passes for 60 yards and six of his 6.5 tackles were of the solo variety. He recovered a fumble and averaged 16.0 yards on five kick returns. Those statistics point to a broad base of skills, which will keep the door open to contributing wherever the team needs him. That thought is backed up when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22944336/68f34765d919868e1ed172f5"><strong>10th-grade highlight video</strong></a>. Phillips flashes upside on both sides of the ball. He can beat defenders lining up in the slot or out wide thanks to crisp routes and reliable hands. He plays the game physically, which helps in breaking tackles or making tackles. Phillips looks comfortable operating at safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2115534"],"_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-699e200cd5b9e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Phillips got his feet wet in part-time duty on the Clarinda varsity in 2025 while also developing on the program's sophomore squad. The experience could lead to larger contributions as a junior after posting 3.0 tackles (all solo), eight catches for 63 yards and a two-point conversion this past fall. Phillips looks packed with potential when we watch his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22127290/691787c74d257e32227ec5eb"><strong>10th-grade highlight video</strong></a>. On it, we witness a versatile receiver that's effective lining up on the outside or in the slot. He benefits from long strides and long arms with a frame capable of filling out without the loss of athleticism or speed. Phillips is a fluid athlete that runs well in coverage and gets sideline to sideline quickly as a linebacker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1697537"],"_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-699e222d13c89"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Newton is a ball of energy. It led to him contributing around the field as a Des Moines Christian sophomore in 2025. He intercepted a pair of passes and defended another. Six of his 7.0 tackles were solo stops with one tackle for loss. Newton averaged 33.0 yards on two kick returns and 14.2 on six punt returns. He chipped in on offense as well. Newton hasn't added any film to his Hudl page in a few years, but his X account houses highlights from this past season. They feature a explosive prospect with speed, which leads to success in the return game. His back pedal and smooth change of direction make him effective at cornerback. I'm looking forward to seeing more film of this kid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2102942"],"_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-699e27d2666a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller put together a notable campaign as a sophomore on the Marion varsity in 2025. It foreshadowing much bigger things ahead would not be surprising. We see that desired combination of current production with upside for more in the future when we watch his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20961004/68fd6873a064cd6edc8cb7fe"><strong>10th-grade varsity highlight video</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20961004/681f6ee0fa59d43877dcf4d9"><strong>JV film</strong></a>. The first thing that pops out is his physicality being advanced for his age. Especially on the non-varsity tape, he overwhelms the opponents with strength. He combines it with a burst and agility that work to his advantage whether he's chasing down the ball as a D-Lineman or opening up holes on the O-Line. If you're looking for a breakout candidate in 2026, Miller is a good bet to be just that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2101631"],"_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-699e27d26674c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Competing in one of the state's top programs for producing talent for the next level, Lomaseng spent last season developing on the Southeast Polk 10th Grade/Junior Varsity team. It was the next step in preparing to help the Ram varsity. That could come as soon as the 2026 campaign based on the <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22490647/69037e31bb4b171c3954df19"><strong>sophomore highlight video</strong></a> he has posted on his Hudl page. Lomaseng looks comfortable and natural working out of the slot. He's quick off of the snap and in getting in and out of his routes. There are clips of him hauling in catches on different levels and then making defenders miss in space or by outrunning them down the field. Lomaseng operates with balance and body control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->