IA Class 5A QBs to Watch in 2026

Rounding out our list of the top QBs in Iowa returning for the upcoming 2026 season, we move up to Class 5A Iowa, boasting several returning starters who have proven themselves as some of the top overall players at their position playing against the toughest competition, with several oncoming juniors and seniors looking to cement their status as top-notch prospects in their respective classes. We take a look at 8 QBs in Class 5A Iowa to watch out for in 2026!    It will be difficult for [player_tooltip player_id='1204436' first='Mack' last='Heitland'] to match the ridiculous heights he achieved in 2025, though he has a great opportunity to further prove himself as a premium QB prospect for the class of 2027. Heitland completed just less than 80% of his total passes for 2962 yards with a perfect 28 TDs to 0 INTs, while adding 164 rushing yards (4.7 YPC) and 4 rushing TDs. Heitland's performance and numbers were absurd, and while his size may not shine among the metrics, his accuracy, strong ball placement, and natural progressions more than make up his size, helping propel the Wolves to their best season in program history. Heitland will look to round out his time with the Wolves by leading them to their first ever football state championship.     Succeeding Jack Wallace as the starter for the Trojans was not an easy feat at all, but [player_tooltip player_id='600173' first='Reece' last='Wheeler'] did an impressive job at doing just that in 2025. Wheeler completed just over 60% of his passes for 2280 yards, 22 TDs, and 5 INTs while rushing for 213 yards and 4 TDs as he guided the Trojans to a 8-3 record, which was a stronger record for the team than in the last 4 years with Wallace under Center. Wheeler didn't match the statistical prowess Wallace had from 2024, but he played to his skillset very well, matching as an improvisational dual-threat with a strong arm and great scrambling ability. Wheeler will look to push Iowa City West even further into the playoffs in 2026.     [player_tooltip player_id='1221251' first='Trevin' last='Helming'] comfortably transitioned into the starting QB role for the Dragons' last season, proving to hold his own well against some of the toughest contenders in the 5A conference. Helming completed 61% of his passes for 1895 yards, 20 TDs, and 3 INTs while adding 2 rushing TDs. Helming led some thrilling wins last season against several notable big-name teams, including Southeast Polk, Ankeny, Iowa City Liberty, and a playoff win over Ankeny Centennial. Helming was fearless in the pocket, delivering deep strikes with ease and playing well under pressure. With much of the varsity lineup from 2025 returning next season and considering their success against top-ranked opponents, Helming has a real shot of leading Johnston toward making a case for a 5A title in 2026.     [player_tooltip player_id='1198821' first='Chase' last='Engel'] took big steps forward in his performance following his sophomore debut, guiding the Mustangs to an impressive turnaround from 2-7 to 7-3 in 2025. Engel threw for 1740 yards, 17 TDs, and 9 INTS in 2025. Engel looked far more confident taking shots down the field last season, delivering deep passes with exceptional strength and placement to find his receivers in stride. Showcasing impressive range and improved footwork, Engel did a much better job reacting to the defense and evading the pocket when it collapsed, extending the play, and finding his receivers down the field on the run. Engel has been progressing positively for the Mustangs, and he will look to maintain the team's upward trend in the 5A conference in 2026.     Jumping into the starting lineup as a sophomore was not an easy feat, but [player_tooltip player_id='1588740' first='Brekken' last='Miller'] flashed impressively in his first year under Center for the Jaguars' varsity offense. Miller threw for 1195 yards, 16 TDs, and 5 INTs. Miller worked best in the play-action game, delivering passes with nice velocity and hitting through tight windows down the field while also showing finding the checkdown option on rollouts and scrambles. Miller shows strong mechanics already with his delivery and throwing motion along with some impressive passes through unconventional motions. Miller also maintains his poise under pressure and isn't afraid to take a hit as he delivers his throws. Miller's future is already looking bright as he will look to take a step forward along with the rest of the team in 2026.     [player_tooltip player_id='458050' first='Cael' last='Kongshaug'] enjoyed a solid debut in the varsity lineup for the Hawks in 2025. Kongshaug completed over 67% of his passes for 1654 yards, 12 TDs, and 7 INTs while adding a rushing TD. Kongshaug has shown great versatility hitting passes at all three levels of the defense while showing sharp accuracy outside the perimeter along with impressive depth and power on his deep throws to stretch the field. Kongshaug isn't afraid to take some chances with his plays, including a couple of risky throws through traffic and making throws across his body that aren't encouraged among coaches, but Kongshaug has shown to make those tactics work well in his favor. Kongshaug adds plenty of flair to balance out a potent run-offense, and he notably led a huge conference win over Iowa City West to help push the Hawks into the playoffs last season. Kongshaug will look to push the Hawks ever further into the postseason in 2026.     While Bettendorf's offense regressed in 2025, there was a lot to like from the tape of their sophomore starter [player_tooltip player_id='980028' first='Cannon' last='Davis']. Davis completed over 60% of his passes for 1514 yards, 10 TDs, and 7 INTs while adding 240 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs. Davis has been propelling this offseason as a rising candidate, having strong performances at both the Prep Redzone Stock up Showcase in November as well as in the 7v7 series. At Bettendorf, Davis flashed big-play potential with his cannon arm, improving progressions, and his accuracy under duress. Davis will look to take a big step forward entering his junior season to bring the Bulldogs back into contention.     Iowa City High regressed in 2025 with multiple key starters leaving following the previous season, and while there were plenty of ups and downs from [player_tooltip player_id='1964802' first='Chris' last='Kabaiza'], he showed plenty of promise in his first year leading the Little Hawks' offense. Kabaiza completed nearly 66% of his passes for 1486 yards, 16 TDs, and 13 INTs while adding 176 rushing yards (4.3 YPC) and a rushing TD. A dynamic athlete with a strong frame, Kabaiza showed plenty of range as a passer, taking shots down the middle and down the sideline with plenty of distance, and he looked poised in the pocket, even under pressure, being willing to take a hit as he makes his throws down the field. Kabaiza will look to fine tune his mechanics and help Iowa City High back toward contention in the 5A conference in 2026.

Rounding out our list of the top QBs in Iowa returning for the upcoming 2026 season, we move up to Class 5A Iowa, boasting several returning starters who have proven themselves as some of the top overall players at their position playing against the toughest competition, with several oncoming juniors and seniors looking to cement their status as top-notch prospects in their respective classes. We take a look at 8 QBs in Class 5A Iowa to watch out for in 2026!