IA Class of 2029 Top QBs to Watch in 2026

With a lot of discussion this offseason about most of the upperclassmen-level QBs across the high school football scene in Iowa, there hasn't been a lot mentioned about the impending sophomores that are looking to break onto the scene and immediately distinguish themselves to be the next big stars under Center leading their offenses. We take a look today at 7 QBs entering their sophomore seasons to keep an eye on in 2026!    Emerging in the starting lineup for a weak QB group, [player_tooltip player_id='2075360' first='Tucker' last='Lewis'] not only brought immediate stability, but excelled leading the Crusaders' offense. Lewis threw for 710 yards, 14 TDs, and 5 INT while adding 263 rushing yards (5.6 YPC) and 7 rushing TDs. A significant improvement compared to previous seasons, Lewis had more passing TDs than the entire team combined over the last 2 seasons (12). Showing excellent precision and poise for his age, Lewis also contributed nicely toward the Crusaders' fruitful run-game as a dynamic dual-threat. Lewis was pivotal in guiding the Crusaders' turn-around, finishing with their first winning season since 2020, and their bound to continue taking steps forward as a contender in the 8-man league as Lewis progresses his skills.     Seymour Football played their first full season since 2022, and amidst their relaunch came a rising star under Center that should continue to be at the forefront of their rebuild going forward in Tucker Young. Young threw for 770 yards, 11 TDs, and 7 INTs while adding a rushing TD. Young plays a unique style in the pocket, showing unconventional, almost dancing-like feet when he moves around, using it well to escape out of trouble and extend the play while showcasing exceptional touch and depth on his throws to find receivers down the field and over the seams in stride. On top of that, despite his size, he shows an impressive amount of toughness, and he doesn't shy away from contact when he runs. Young will be an excellent asset for the Warriors to build around as they continue to navigate their path forward following their relaunch.     An intriguing athlete for the Sabers, Jax Mockenhaupt is listed at OLB and WR, but saw significant playing time under Center. Mockenhaupt threw for 752 yards, 5 TDs, and 7 INTs while rushing for 146 yards (5.4 YPC) and 2 rushing TDs. While those numbers aren't outstanding, he had more passing yards and a much higher completion percentage (66.7%) compared to his senior counterpart in Holden Roberts. While erratic at times, Mockenhaupt's stronger accuracy and flashy arm showcased his athleticism, and potentially suggests that Mockenhaupt may have found his calling as he's likely due to become the full-time starter under Center in 2026.     Carson Lloyd took over the varsity lineup over their struggling senior starter, and with his performance gives the Bulldogs plenty to hope on for their future on offense. Lloyd threw for 431 yards, 4 TDs, and 2 INTs while adding a rushing TD in limited appearances. Lloyd shows exceptional range with his throws, slinging the ball with confidence and taking shots down the middle without fear. Lloyd shows a knack for being able to extend the play, being subtle, but slippery with his escapism, and doing a great job keeping his eyes down the field on the run and finding his receiver outside the perimeter. The Bulldogs' have an exciting young QB on their hands on pace for a breakout campaign in 2026.     Nash Mitchell will have huge shoes to fill replacing their stud [player_tooltip player_id='1221934' first='Garrett' last='Luett'] under Center for the Eagles, but in limited appearances, Mitchell gave quite a lot to be excited about as he's expected to take over. Mitchell threw for 225 yards, 3 TDs, and an INT while adding 2 rushing TDs in limited appearances. Mitchell fit the Eagles' offense well, proving himself as a sharp, accurate passer with the potential to stretch the field with ease, matching the rhythm and example established by Luett. The transition from Luett to Mitchell under Center won't be seamless, but Mitchell has a real chance to excel with Underwood's system and maintain their high volume they have had on offense over the last few years.     Much like with Mitchell, [player_tooltip player_id='2119929' first='Daniel' last='Storck'] will have big shoes to fill taking over productive starter [player_tooltip player_id='1619815' first='Hudson' last='Shull'] as the new starter for the Tigers' offense. In limited appearances, Storck finished 10 of 14 for 84 yards and a rushing TD no the varsity lineup. An intriguing athlete, Storck posted a 4.85 40 yard dash time and a 29" vertical jump, with his athleticism having the potential to translate well in filling the dynamic dual-threat role that Shull has held for the Tigers. It's unclear who will be at the forefront for the QB battle for ADM entering 2026, but I wouldn't be surprised if Storck emerges ahead of the pack to take over this offense going forward.     The offense was a mess for the Wolves, though through their struggles came an intriguing signal-caller who could very much emerge as the varsity starter for Marion entering 2026 in [player_tooltip player_id='2119998' first='Ethan' last='Cole']. Cole only threw 5 passes, completing 4 for 63 yards and 2 TDs, accounting for half of the Wolves' 4 total touchdowns on the air last season. Cole shows plenty of traits as a gunslinger, maybe to a fault, but Cole isn't afraid to take a shot down the field, showing plenty of arm strength and depth on his ball placement to find his receivers in stride as well as fitting passes through some difficult windows. Cole has a real shot for the varsity QB job with the Wolves next season, giving him an opportunity to bring Marion back into a contentious role in the 4A conference.

With a lot of discussion this offseason about most of the upperclassmen-level QBs across the high school football scene in Iowa, there hasn't been a lot mentioned about the impending sophomores that are looking to break onto the scene and immediately distinguish themselves to be the next big stars under Center leading their offenses. We take a look today at 7 QBs entering their sophomore seasons to keep an eye on in 2026!