IA Class 3A Top QBs to Watch in 2026

Moving up to Class 3A Iowa, we take a look at a returning group of QBs that range between proven signal-callers who have already solidified their stance as some of the best QBs in the state as a whole, along with promising names that will look to take the next step in their development entering pivotal campaigns next season. We take a look at 8 QBs in Class 3A Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!    There is no doubt about [player_tooltip player_id='1204540' first='Jaxson' last='McIntire']'s value as one of the most exciting two-way players in the state, continuing to excel playing at both QB and DB. McIntire completed just under 69% of his passes for 1605 yards, 19 TDs, and 8 INTs while rushing for 429 yards and 9 TDs on the ground. McIntire retained much of the strength, velocity, and overall athleticism as a passer while improving in terms of his accuracy compared to his sophomore season. McIntire may more likely play on the defensive side of the ball at the next level, and 2026 could be McIntire's last season playing QB. McIntire will look to round out his time with the Lions under Center with a 3A championship.     The Warriors enjoyed a major turnaround in 2025 following a 1-8 season the previous year, and [player_tooltip player_id='1848693' first='Ezra' last='Hibma']'s sharp rise as the leader of Sioux Center's offense played a key role in that turnaround. Hibma threw for 1675 yards, 21 TDs, and 5 INTs while rushing for 484 yards (5.3 YPC) and 7 rushing TDs. Hibma was a lot more confident leading the Warriors' offense compared to his sophomore season, flashing strength points in the short-medium passing game showcasing his athleticism as a dual-threat, and using his legs well to extend the play and create big plays on the fly. With Hibma returning for his senior season, the Warriors could be a dark horse contender within the 3A conference.     While Keokuk struggled to a 3-6 season, they found a young, confident signal-caller to build around over the next 2 seasons in [player_tooltip player_id='1850235' first='Jadyn' last='Burton']. Burton completed over 61% of his passes, throwing for 2191 yards, 25 TDs, and 12 INTs while adding 4 rushing TDs. With the run-game largely inefficient in 2025, the Chiefs were forced to rely heavily on the passing game, and Burton immediately flashed with a heavy workload. Burton flashed with his strong arm, nailing several vertical shots on his tape with great velocity and arc on his throws, while also doing a great job extending the play with his legs. Burton has clearly clinched his role as a leader for the Chiefs' offense, and with Burton under Center, Keokuk could be on the rise within the conference over the next few seasons.     Taking over as the starting QB following the Golden Eagles' perfect campaign in 2024, [player_tooltip player_id='1616422' first='JP' last='Elbert'] had some growing pains, but proved to be an effective leader for their offense, guiding Wahlert Catholic all the way to the state semifinal round. Elbert completed over 63% of his passes for 1573 yards, 12 TDs, and 8 INTs while also leading the team with 702 rushing yards (5.9 YPC) and 13 TDs. Elbert flashed with a strong arm, flashing with some great deep balls with enough height and arc to pass over the defender's heads and into his receiver's arms in stride. Leading a loaded backfield with over 2500+ total rushing yards, Elbert was effective running the ball, flashing solid agility and sneaky speed capable of breaking outside the perimeter and creating big plays with his legs. The Golden Eagles should remain to be a prime contender in the 3A conference with Elbert returning under Center in 2026.     Algona took a step back in 2025, losing several close games that could have brought a brighter outcome toward their overall record, and while [player_tooltip player_id='1204547' first='Nathan' last='Manske'] had his share of ups and downs facing the daunting task of succeeding his brother Alex as the starter for the Bulldogs, Manske continued to show clear flashes of his potential. Manske finished with 1502 yards, 14 TDs, and 8 INTs while also leading the team with 745 rushing yards (5.6 YPC) and 10 rushing TDs. Manske continues to flash the big arm, impressive dual-threat ability, and overall leadership of the offense compared to that of his brother for the Bulldogs, albeit not with the results he was quite expecting. With much of the team's top offensive starters and his receivers graduating after 2025, Manske's task leading the offense may seem more daunting entering his senior season, but he remains a dark horse candidate for stardom in 2026.     Very much overlooked throughout his junior season, Zack Stalder grasped the starting QB role for the Rams as a junior and looked impressively sharp right away. Stalder finished with 1419 passing yards, 15 TDs, and 8 INTs while leading the team with 504 rushing yards (5.5 YPC) and 7 rushing TDs. Stalder helped get the Rams to an impressive 4-1 start, including a highlight win over Grand View Christian in OT. A tall, lean presence in the pocket who could benefit with some bulk for the position, Stalder worked best in the short-medium passing game, picking apart the defense with quick reads and progressions while also being dangerous on the run, proving capable of breaking a long run when he tucks the ball himself. Stalder will be an intriguing name in the 3A conference to keep an eye on as he enters his senior year.     With [player_tooltip player_id='2092057' first='Grayson' last='Walker'] taking the helm for the Panthers' offense in 2025, Mount Pleasant took a positive leap forward in terms of their confidence with the passing game. Walker completed just less than 65% of his total passes for 1181 yards, 11 TDs, and 3 INTs. Excelling in RPOs and in the quick pass game, Walker's sharp delivery and impressive accuracy through very tight windows gave him an edge, delivering the ball with confidence that hadn't been been displayed in the passing game over the last few seasons. A reliable passer that complemented their potent run game well, Walker was a critical piece in guiding the Panthers to their first winning season since 2019, and considering that this comes two years after back-to-back winless campaigns, it's a clear indication that Mount Pleasant is turning over a new leaf for their future.     The Cadets made a change under Center, moving versatile athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1246757' first='Cade' last='Olberding'] out of the starting QB role in exchange for Karsen Kalous, and Kalous flashed as the Cadets made a slight improvement in their record from 2024. Kalous threw for 1299 yards, 12 TDs, and 8 INTs while leading the team with 553 rushing yards (5.2 YPC) and 5 rushing TDs. With Olberding becoming Kalous' top target in the passing game, their connection was the driving point of their offense, showing growth in his progressions and showing sharp timing and delivery on his throws while flashing flashing dual-threat potential. Kalous will be a name worth keeping a close eye on as Iowa Falls-Alden looks to claim their first winning season since 2021.

Moving up to Class 3A Iowa, we take a look at a returning group of QBs that range between proven signal-callers who have already solidified their stance as some of the best QBs in the state as a whole, along with promising names that will look to take the next step in their development entering pivotal campaigns next season. We take a look at 8 QBs in Class 3A Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!