Intriguing Expected First-Time QB Starters to Watch Part 3

Whether they're names we've had our eyes on, or simply expected to be next in line to take over for multi-year starters, these five quarterbacks are prospects we're going to keep tabs on this fall in Iowa.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/intriguing-expected-first-time-qb-starters-to-watch/">Intriguing Expected First-Time QB Starters to Watch</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/intriguing-expected-first-time-qb-starters-to-watch-part-2/">Intriguing Expected First-Time QB Starters to Watch Part 2</a>    Set to take over with a good chunk of reps despite not being the full time starter this last season, Tate Lalk is in good shape to serve as Waverly-Shell Rock's first-year, full-time starter this coming fall.   Completing 45-of-81 passes (55.6%) for 525 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions, Tate Lalk showed some encouraging things in the reps he did take in 2025. Though there isn't extensive film of his throws, Lalk showed two really nice passes in his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19461499/670e6457e62736677c1ea356">film</a> against North Fayette Valley last fall, hitting a target to the right side of the field on a 30+ yard bomb that floated over the defense and was caught over his receiver's back shoulder. He did the same to the opposite side of the field, giving the pass-catcher an opportunity to go up and get the ball over the defensive back.   Getting the Go-Hawks' top option back through the air, [player_tooltip player_id='1596610' first='Jayden' last='Stephens'], will only provide another security blanket for Lalk when WSR goes to the air.     In line to take over after two years with James Hatlevig at the helm, [player_tooltip player_id='1198832' first='Abbas' last='Mangal'] will get his shot to lead Norwalk on the gridiron this fall.   With some throws on tape from last year, Mangal shows quick feet from the QB position, willing to roll out and able to avoid the pressure when the pocket collapses. Able to pull the ball down and take off if he needs to, Mangal does his best to stay behind the line of scrimmage first, keeping his eyes down the field and looking for a target while avoiding the rush. He should provide an opportunity for the Warriors to utilize the QB run game next fall, too.   With a prototypical release that looks smooth and efficient, Mangal can throw some darts down field and in the intermediate game, as well.     After a successful season at Solon with a one-year starter in future Iowa defensive back Eli Kampman, [player_tooltip player_id='1616793' first='Luke' last='Merrick'] enters the picture with hopes of taking over under center for the next two seasons.   As a sophomore last fall, Merrick completed 7-of-14 passes (50%) for 91 yards and two touchdowns. The two throws he has on film from last season show the ability to put some arc on the ball, as well as throw on the run.   Like Lalk, Merrick is in an advantageous position in that he's in line to inherit the starting position with a bevy of weapons through the air at his disposal with all five of the Spartans top receiver set to return, including [player_tooltip player_id='1532898' first='Maddox' last='Kelley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1885005' first='Kaden' last='Hoeper'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1693683' first='Cody' last='Milliman'], who each finished with 35 or more receptions last fall. Merrick will be in good hands with the trio of receivers, plus Lucas Stanton leading the program.     One of the better athletes in all of 2A and 2028, [player_tooltip player_id='1988427' first='Tayden' last='Moret'] is a top guard on the court for Western Christian, and, after a year at receiver (where he caught 35 passes for 477 yards and three touchdowns), appears as though he'll step in at quarterback for the Wolf Pack.   As a receiver during his sophomore campaign, Moret showed open field quickness, late hands, the ability to adjust with the ball in the air, plus a shared communication and understanding of the offense with WC's quarterback -- something that should translate to his abilities under center.   The type of athlete that can be entrusted to switch positions at the 2A level, Moret's experience as a pass-catcher on the gridiron, as well as serving as the point guard and leading scorer for Western Christian will undoubtedly serve him well this coming fall.     Another underclassmen in line to take over for one of the more productive quarterbacks in recent memory, [player_tooltip player_id='2119929' first='Daniel' last='Storck'] has some big shoes to fill at ADM with the expectation that he'll start this fall after the departure of Hudson Shull.   Without 11-on-11 film to his name, we'll rely on some of Storck's 7-on-7 film he's shared on X.   Though the lefty has a unique throwing motion and release, he can put the ball in a variety of spots around the field. He stands well in the pocket, and has a strong base from which he can explode through the top on his throws. Putting touch on some deep throws and throwing some darts over the field, Storck shows potential through the air.   Rob Howe, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/more-breakout-performers-from-back-2-ballin-high-26/">added this</a> after seeing Storck live, participating in 7-on-7 this spring in Cedar Falls: "Storck is a good athlete and can make plays with his legs, evading the rush, keeping plays alive off of schedule or taking off when an opening appears. The arm talent is real for the left-hander. It's strong and powerful form fitting the ball in tight windows or pushing it down the field."

Whether they're names we've had our eyes on, or simply expected to be next in line to take over for multi-year starters, these five quarterbacks are prospects we're going to keep tabs on this fall in Iowa.