IA Class 1A Top QBs to Watch in 2026

Moving up to Class 1A Iowa for our search of the top starting QBs to watch in the conference, we take a look at a new batch of talent ranging from familiar faces whom we have covered over the last 1-2 seasons that will look to maintain their standing as top dogs in the conference and new names that are primed to finish among the most effective signal-callers in 1A as the conference continues to shake up. We take a look at 8 QBs out of Class 1A Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!    [player_tooltip player_id='1197483' first='Braylon' last='Bingham'] missed several games last season due to injury and his passing numbers took a dip compared to his sophomore season, but there is no doubt that the Trojans rely heavily on Bingham's leadership, who's presence was sorely missed when he was not on the field. Bingham threw for 1492 yards, 16 TDs, and 6 INTs last season while rushing for a team-high 909 yards (7.6 YPC) and 7 TDs. The athletic LB/QB continued to stretch the field well with solid progressions at all three levels of the defense, and he plays well running through contact, showcasing the power and tenacity as a runner that helped build him as a premier LB prospect in the state. Bingham has already committed to Iowa to play on the defensive side, and the Trojans' will look to make the most of what could be Bingham's final season as a QB.     As Tri-Center made their move up to 1A this season, they didn't reach the delirious heights offensively that won them a Class A state title last season, but [player_tooltip player_id='1621125' first='AJ' last='Harder'] was able to translate his productive passing numbers well through this change. Harder threw for 2009 yards, 16 TDs, and 8 INTs while rushing for 2 TDs. Harder continued to show that impressive gunslinger mentality that had so much success during his sophomore year, nailing impressive passes throw tight windows and out of unconventional passing techniques and showcasing impressive long-range capabilities to hit his receivers in stride. After getting their feet wet this season, Harder will look to help the Trojans make a bigger splash in the 1A conference entering the 2026 season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2050083' first='Easton' last='DeJong'] had massive shoes to fill replacing Bryson Childress after guiding West Lyon to a state championship title, but DeJong did a brilliant job, helping West Lyon defend their throne and claim a second straight title. DeJong threw for 1300 yards, 16 TDs, and 2 INTs while rushing for 558 yards (9 YPC) and 9 rushing TDs. DeJong flashed exceptional accuracy, particularly on the run, with several clips from his tape showcasing some impressive throws through tight windows with multiple defenders swarming around the ball, but ultimately finding it's way right to the receiver. A mobile threat, DeJong is effective keeping the ball himself, showcasing sneaky agility and impressive breakaway speed in the open field. DeJong has proven to be a worthy successor under Center for the Wildcats, and he'll look to add a 3rd straight title to their belt.     After flashing promising results during his sophomore campaign, Caden Schmidt took multiple steps forward in his first full year starting under Center for the Rams. Schmidt threw for 1474 yards, 16 TDs, and only 5 INTs while adding 3 rushing TDs. Schmidt showcased exceptional range, looking far more confident with his mechanics and pocket presence during his junior season while flashing a strong arm that was able to nail go-balls and vertical routes in stride, allowing MVAOCOU to stretch the field effectively. Schmidt's progression as a passer was one of the most notable in the conference, and it will be intriguing to see how strong the Rams' offense will be in 2026 with Schmidt's continued growth.     Taking over as the Pirates' starting QB in 2025, [player_tooltip player_id='2072510' first='Tade' last='Roberts'] immediately garner respect as a tall, looming presence in the pocket who flashed potential to become one of the top QB prospects in the state to watch out for over the next 2 seasons. Roberts completed over 65% of his passes for 1804 yards, 11 TDs, and 8 INTs while rushing for 367 yards and 10 TDs on the ground. Roberts exemplified the Pirates' vast improvement in their passing game compared to previous seasons, showcasing solid progressions, footwork, and arm strength, flashing a gunslinger mentality with far more confidence compared to Hudson's previous starters. Roberts also proved to be an effective scrambler, doing a great job extending the play and keeping his eyes down the field while having the frame and physicality to excel on short-range rushing plays. Roberts absolutely warrants the hype he's garnered entering his junior season, and he will look to help the Pirates take a step forward to potentially bring themselves back into a contending spot very soon.     After a winless campaign in 2024, Noah Drew helped steer the Eagles back in the right direction with a strong junior campaign. Drew threw for 1852 yards, 12 TDs, and 9 INTs while adding 330 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs. A stellar southpaw who's able to throw effectively at all three passing levels, Drew looked far more comfortable and confident in the pocket compared to his sophomore season, delivering with quick release and showing stronger accuracy. Drew also has great footwork, doing a great job extending the play and creating big plays on the ground with his legs. After guiding the Eagles back to the playoffs along with a playoff upset over Manson-NW Webster, Drew will look to guide even bigger results for the Eagles in his senior campaign.     Blayk Hart's passing mechanics were erratic at times last season, but he provided significant value as an electric playmaker for the Trojans' offense. Hart threw for 1345 yards, 11 TDs, and 8 INTs while rushing for 1001 yards (5.9 YPC) and 10 rushing TDs. Hart was dynamic as a dual threat, and he was best utilized on read-option and scramble plays that best utilized his vision and athleticism running the ball. Hart's passing numbers were certainly hit-or-miss, and with his top receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1466768' first='Kinnick' last='Geers'] graduating this offseason, Hart's numbers could take a big hit unless he makes some improvement on his passing mechanics. Hart is best utilized more as an athlete playing QB for West Marshall's versatile run-game, and as one of the team's few returning starters on offense, Hart will have to do a lot of heavy lifting to keep the offense in rhythm.     Northeast took a step back following a strong 2024 campaign, and while Maxzen Eskildsen had his peaks and valleys in his first year as a varsity starter for the Rebels, there was a lot to like from his films that could make him a dark horse breakout candidate entering his junior season. Eskildsen threw for 1132 yards, 7 TDs, and 8 INTs while leading the team with 714 rushing yards (5.2 YPC) and 10 rushing TDs. Eskildsen flashed as a durable and productive passer who moves in the pocket well and isn't afraid to take a hit as he delivers a strike down the field. Eskildsen also holds evident dual-threat capability, having his most success out of the pocket and in the open field as he was able to generate consistent chunk yardage on the ground. Eskildsen is on the right path toward building himself into becoming a viable signal-caller as he looks to take a step forward with his performance heading into 2026.

Moving up to Class 1A Iowa for our search of the top starting QBs to watch in the conference, we take a look at a new batch of talent ranging from familiar faces whom we have covered over the last 1-2 seasons that will look to maintain their standing as top dogs in the conference and new names that are primed to finish among the most effective signal-callers in 1A as the conference continues to shake up. We take a look at 8 QBs out of Class 1A Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!