Class 4A Top QBs to Watch in 2026

Returning to our watchlist of the top QBs in Iowa entering the 2026 season, we move up to Class 4A, which boasts an impressive group of talent ranging from names that are already entrenched among the very best in the state, to rising prospects that will look to shine among the toughest competition in the state. We take a look at 8 QBs in Class 4A Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!    For a QB who just led his team to an undefeated season with one of the most statistically proficient seasons among all QBs in the state, #6 seems too low of a ranking right now for [player_tooltip player_id='1827747' first='Cash' last='Parks']. Completing just under 73% of his total passes, Parks threw for 2220 yards, 28 TDs, and only 2 INTs while rushing for 383 yards (5.2 YPC) and 10 rushing TDs. Showing significant improvement in his progressions and reads compared to his sophomore campaign, Parks led the offense with a level of swagger and confidence that was unmatched in the conference, picking apart opposing secondaries with ease, and showing great poise under pressure. It will be tough for Parks to top off such a great junior campaign, but he is a legitimate stud as a signal-caller who should be garnering some serious attention at the next level.     Davenport North continued to take steps forward in the right direction in 2025 despite a change at QB, with [player_tooltip player_id='1895361' first='Neil' last='Brown'] quickly blossoming into an excellent signal-caller for the Wildcats. Brown completed just under 63% of his passes for 1895 yards, 21 TDs, and 10 INTs while adding 358 rushing yards (4.5 YPC) and 5 rushing TDs. A fluid passer in the pocket who can sling it 40+ yards down the field with a flick of the wrist, Brown's deep range and accuracy at all three levels of the field are quite impressive to watch, while also doing a great job surveying the pocket and extending the play with his legs. Brown is leading the Wildcats well as they are trending upward in the 4A conference as a legitimate competitor, even going toe to toe with the 4A runner-ups, Pella, in the playoffs, and they will certainly be a team worth watching going forward.     Taking over the reigns for the Rams as a junior, [player_tooltip player_id='1204447' first='Ben' last='Carlo'] quickly found his groove and brought Glenwood back into contention following a down year in 2024. Carlo threw for 1758 yards, 13 TDs, and 3 INTs while rushing for 244 yards and 8 TDs on the ground. A southpaw with a strong arm, Carlo does a great job fitting passes through tight windows, showcasing an impressive amount of power and velocity on his throws while stretching the field with his scrambling ability. While he didn't generate a ton of production on the run, Carlo proved to be a capable runner when he tucked the ball for himself. Carlo will look to conclude his run with the Rams with a state title added to his belt in his senior campaign.     [player_tooltip player_id='1361478' first='Miller' last='Haedt'] had big shoes to fill taking over Chase Smith under Center, who's now playing for the Cyclones, but Haedt flashed strong potential in his first year as starter for the Lancers. Haedt completed over 70% of his passes for 1225 yards, 14 TDs, and 3 INTs while also leading the team with 411 rushing yards (4.1 YPC) and 5 rushing TDs. Much of his mechanics from his time leading the JV team translated well on varsity, showcasing solid range and strong accuracy as a passer while keeping opposing defense's on their toes with his agile footwork and his ability to make defenders second-guess on option-runs. Haedt will look to guide the Lancers back toward the top of the 4A chain in his senior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1827720' first='Jameer' last='Falls'] showed improvement in numerous areas following a promising sophomore campaign leading the Riverhawks. Falls threw for 1239 yards, 13 TDs, and 7 INTs while rushing for 269 yards (4.8 YPC) and 8 rushing TDs. Falls showed considerable improvement moving around in the pocket and keeping it for himself, while his accuracy also showed improvement, jumping from 60.6% to 66.5% completion percentage as a junior. Falls isn't a big player, but he's athletic and versatile, flashing impressive power and placement on his passes while proving capable in the RPO-game. Falls will look for another strong performance in his senior season and guide Mason City to their first winning record since 2009.     [player_tooltip player_id='1652778' first='CJ' last='Haug'] took big steps forward with his passing mechanics as a junior, showing much stronger reads and is starting to live up to the athletic potential that he has flashed during his sophomore season. Haug finished with 1146 passing yards, 11 TDs, and 4 INTs while rushing for 479 yards (7.1 YPC) and 6 rushing TDs. There is quite a lot to like from his film, including his strong arm, quick release, and improving footwork, not to mention his playmaking ability on the run, showing plenty on tape to make him one of the biggest rising standouts in the state through the 2025 season. Haug could have a very high ceiling as he enters his senior season.     Despite a horrendous start to the 2025 season, Bryce Miller helped the Bombers gain traction offensively, proving far more competitive in the down-stretch of the 2025 season. Miller completed over 63% of his total passes for 1485 yards, 12 TDs, and 9 INTs while adding 209 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs. Miller flashed as a tough competitor under Center, showcasing impressive strength and arc on his passes, making some great throws hitting his receivers down the sideline in stride, while also doing a great job taking off when the pocket collapses, tucking the ball and surging ahead for forward progress. A wild-card prospect in this list, Miller's potential certainly shouldn't be overlooked among this group.     Most of the talent for Fort Dodge is aimed toward the defensive side of the ball, but they also boast a QB who's flashed as one of the best in the state as well in [player_tooltip player_id='1644900' first='Tru' last='McBride']. McBride finished last season with 1247 passing yards, 8 TDs, and 6 INTs while rushing for 177 yards and 9 TDs. McBride ultimately took a step back last season, which was surprising considering he had most of his top receivers returning in 2025, though the Dodgers also showed a stronger desire to run the ball. McBride continued to show flashes of his natural strength, strong passing mechanics, and dynamic athleticism that has made him a prime prospect in this upcoming recruiting class. McBride will have a challenging senior campaign with several key starters departing following the 2025 season, and McBride will look to match his efforts from 2024 perhaps with a new group of weapons on the offense.

Returning to our watchlist of the top QBs in Iowa entering the 2026 season, we move up to Class 4A, which boasts an impressive group of talent ranging from names that are already entrenched among the very best in the state, to rising prospects that will look to shine among the toughest competition in the state. We take a look at 8 QBs in Class 4A Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!