Intriguing Expected First-Time QB Starters to Watch Part 2

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 name that continually gets brought up as a potential star and one of the reasons Iowa City Liberty will be competitive once again next fall, [player_tooltip player_id='2085086' first='Emerson' last='Berner'] has a chance to continue the legacy of elite QB play for the Lightning. With a coaching change at Liberty this offseason following the departure of Scott Chandler for other opportunities, Berner doesn't have the luxury of having a former NFL player as his head coach, as was expected.   At the same time, Berner was sensational, all things considered, when he was thrust into the state championship game last fall following an injury to Liberty's all-state starter, Reece Rettig. He stood in the pocket, made throws on time and on target, and even layered a ball between Dowling defenders to a receiver in the endzone that went off his finger tips. He completed 8-of-12 passes for 54 yards, in total.   Berner is more physically gifted than prior Liberty QBs, and if he can consistently do some of the things he did in the state title game, the Lightning will be in good hands.     Set to take over for Michael Manning, who led Pella to the state title game last fall in 4A, [player_tooltip player_id='2208881' first='Griffin' last='Simpson'] is expected to be the guy the Dutch in 2026.   Luckily for him, Simpson won't be taking over without any experience, as the senior-to-be did split reps with Manning throughout the season when the Duch posted blow out victories. Simpson, who was entrusted to grow, or at least, maintain the lead in those circumstances, earned some critical experience. He won't be thrown into the deep end without any lessons.   Showing flashes of accurate passes and trusting his teammates to go and make a play when he gives them the ball, Simpson completed 18-of-28 passes for 216 yards, two touchdowns and a pick last fall.     After a season where Van Meter turned things around and made up for a 3-2 start, Henry Lounsbury was critical in the Bulldogs' seven-straight wins and run to the 2A state title game. This coming season, the expectation is that [player_tooltip player_id='2120935' first='Keenan' last='Lundy'] will take over the starting job for the central Iowa juggernaut.   An impact player on the basketball squad for VM this winter, Lundy started 22-of-23 games, averaging 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Starting and contributing as a freshman anywhere is difficult, but if Lundy can take that on-court confidence and competitence to the gridiron, the 6-foot-1 gunslinger could be the next star QB for the Bulldogs that takes them back to the promised land.     Set to lead Lewis Central for the first time as a senior, Camden Dahlheim will look to lead the Titans back to state-wide wins again after they went 5-5 last season with all five losses coming by three points.   Dahlheim, like Simpson was given some time in the lime light last season, has he completed 22-of-38 passes (57.9%) of his passes for 262 yards, a touchdown and two picks. With a variety of starting offensive linemen and star running back, [player_tooltip player_id='1583687' first='Braydan' last='Doss'] returning this fall, Dahlheim will be set up to have some success in his first year as the expected starter.   In his most extensive <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19514936/671c6a29c6489f70f5d12170">film</a> from LC's matchup with Glenwood last season, Dahlheim shows potential as a strong runner out of the backfield, plus arm strength to complete a pass from the left has to the opposite sideline, placing only where his receiver could get it and go make a play.     In line to take over for one of the more prolific passers of the football in all classes from last fall, Kyle Tracy, [player_tooltip player_id='1657941' first='Aiden' last='Gaffey'] could be in position to be one of the top gunslingers in 1A this fall with the weapons and coaching staff he has behind him at Regina.   Standing at 6-foot-2 and 170-pounds according to his bio on X, Gaffey has the frame to be a successful QB that can disect the defense, while also serving as not only the backup to Tracy last fall, but as the top passer with a ton of experience on JV last season. For the Regals JV squad, Gaffey completed 114-of-169 passes (67.5%) for 1,253 yards, 17 touchdowns and just one pick.   A prospect that showed the ability to make quick decisions in the RPO game, extend plays, and recognize where his team has an advantage and exploit it, Gaffey has the makings of a QB that could be super successful the next two years for Regina.

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.