IA Class 2A Top QBs to Watch in 2026

Moving up to Class 2A Iowa, we take a look at an exciting group of returning QBs leading the way for the conference ranging from some of the top passing performers in the conference from 2025 to several players who have the skillset to emerge as studs at the QB position entering this upcoming season. We take a look at 8 QBs from Class 2A Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!    [player_tooltip player_id='1671366' first='Mack' last='Murdock'] had an outstanding sophomore campaign as one of the top QBs overall in Iowa in 2025, with his performance from last season skyrocketing his value to become the top overall QB prospect in Iowa for the class of 2028. Murdock completed over 66% of his passes for 2250 yards, 27 TDs, and only 5 INTs while rushing for 200 yards and 4 TDs. A thrilling QB who's size is an anomaly among the 2A competition, Murdock shows great control in the pocket and has an excellent arm, consistently airing the ball out with a high success rate last season. Murdock shows good footwork and lateral movement out of the pocket, aiding as well toward his success as a DB, where he recorded 6 INTs last season. Murdock is the real deal, and even from a lower conference in the state, Murdock warrants serious attention as a top signal-caller that stands out from the rest of the competition in his class.     [player_tooltip player_id='1896856' first='Brooks' last='Weber'] took over the starting job for the Golden Hawks' offense after his older brother Brody graduated, and he brought their offense to new heights in 2025. Weber completed over 62% of his passes for 1973 yards, 30 TDs, and 9 INTs. An excellent Pro-Style QB, Weber did a great job with throws attacking all three levels of the defense, hitting passes down the sidelines and seams with great precision. Showing great accuracy and making some nice throws through tight windows, Weber's accuracy also flashed outside of the pocket, and while he didn't run the ball much, Weber does a good job at extending the play when the pocket collapses. Weber should remain to be vastly productive leading Mid-Prairie's offense as he enters his senior season.     Roland-Story's offense was reinvigorated in 2025 with [player_tooltip player_id='2072490' first='Colin' last='Willis'], who immediately found success under Center for the Norsemen. Willis threw for 2217 yards, 25 TDs, and 14 INTs while adding a rushing TD. Contrary to several QBs starting for Roland-Story over the last few seasons, Willis wasn't afraid to sling it, and he often found success slinging the ball down the field, showing impressive strength and depth on his passes, and he does well throwing under pressure and not rushing his throws. Willis shows quick feet in the pocket, and could improve as a potent scrambler with some work this offseason as he's shown capable of creating plays when he tucks the ball and takes off past the LOS. Willis gives a lot for the Norsemen to be excited about, and with his leadership, Roland-Story could become a force to be reckoned with in the 2A conference going forward.     Despite a change at QB, Okoboji sustained their success from 2024 with [player_tooltip player_id='1939757' first='Trey' last='Vander Pol'] doing a great job at immediately taking command and finding a groove for the Pioneers' offense. Vander Pol completed over 68% of his passes for 1442 yards, 14 TDs, and 6 INTs. Vander Pol emerged almost out of nowhere, and he rocked the 2A conference by leading big wins over strong teams like Emmetsburg and OABCIG. Showing great footwork and body control moving outside of the pocket, Vander Pol has quite a strong arm, consistently nailing 1-on-1 passes down the sideline last season while also doing a great job at scanning and reassessing plays as they progress, adjusting his target and finding the open man for a chunk gain. Vander Pol will look to maintain the Pioneers' newfound success they've had over the last 2 seasons going into 2026.     [player_tooltip player_id='2053765' first='Gunner' last='Edwards'] took over as Wilton's new starter in 2025 after Drew Keith's graduation, and while he wasn't perfect, he was able to maintain the Beavers' high standing they've obtained in the 2A conference over the last few seasons. Edwards threw for 1873 yards, 17 TDs, and 14 INTs while rushing for 452 yards (4.2 YPC) and 5 TDs. A productive QB who isn't afraid of taking chances down the field, Edwards flashed with several gutsy throws on his tape, making some impressive throws through tight windows down the middle and through the seams that created plenty of big plays down the field. Contributing to a run-offense that finished with over 2000+ rushing yards, Edwards is a solid scrambler who can also create big plays with his legs, proving more than capable scampering out of the pocket and has sneaky speed as an open-field runner. Edwards can work more on his consistency as a passer, but his aggression at QB often yielded big results for the Beavers, and he will look to maintain those results in 2026.     One of the more overlooked QB prospects entering the 2026 season, Blaek Burmester gave a fresh spark to the Bulldogs' offense in his first year as a starter. Burmester threw for 1437 yards, 14 TDs, and only 3 INTs. Burmester shows solid power and velocity on his throws, showcasing a nice arched spiral getting over defenders and into the hands of his receivers to make a play. Burmester gave life to a passing offense that threw for less than 1200 passing yards over the last 2 seasons combined, and he broke that mark in his sophomore season alone, which could lead to even more success for the Bulldogs going forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='2072566' first='Ty' last='Higgins'] had huge shoes to fill taking over Caden Lundt as the starting QB for Spirit Lake, and while the team to an expected step back, Higgins also flashed strong potential as a dual-threat. Higgins threw for 985 yards, 8 TDs, and 5 INTs while adding a team-high 660 rushing yards (6.1 YPC) and 8 rushing TDs. While his performance didn't bring immediate results for the Indians, it gave him valuable experience under Center. Flashing as a speedy athlete, evident by his impressive 4.57 40 yard time, Higgins was dangerous outside of the pocket, and had the potential to break away for a huge run every time he tucked the ball. A southpaw QB, Higgins showed solid accuracy on the run and despite his size showed some impressive arm strength on his tape with his deep throws. As Higgins continues to develop his passing mechanics, he could become a force to be reckoned with, and could easily guide Spirit Lake back into contention.     [player_tooltip player_id='1656914' first='Devin' last='Mericle'] has prototypical Pro-Style QB size, and after a solid debut in his sophomore season should give West Liberty a lot to be excited for over the next 2 seasons. Mericle finished with 1661 passing yards, 9 TDs, and 8 INTs. In terms of arm strength and depth, Mericle showcased a lot of elite potential, nailing some great passes on tape over the defenders' heads to find his man in stride. Mericle looks comfortable in the pocket, zipping passes to all three levels of the defense with poise and showing great footwork maneuvering around the pocket while maintaining his drop. The Comets have a confident signal-caller that they can build around, which could pave the way for huge results going forward.

Moving up to Class 2A Iowa, we take a look at an exciting group of returning QBs leading the way for the conference ranging from some of the top passing performers in the conference from 2025 to several players who have the skillset to emerge as studs at the QB position entering this upcoming season. We take a look at 8 QBs from Class 2A Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!