PRZIA Track Stars to Watch Out For in 2026

Less than 3 weeks ago, we made an article based around this theme with our MN prospects, and now, we take a look through the same lens for the athletes in Iowa who have showcased success as Track and Field performers that will look to display through prowess and athleticism on the gridiron as well. We take a look at 7 athletes across Iowa that will look to translate their success from track into football in 2026!    A potent long-distance runner, [player_tooltip player_id='1616459' first='Drew' last='Bennis'] has posted outstanding results through his performance for the Hawks' track team so far this year. His 47.77 second 400m dash time is ranked the 3rd highest across the entire state through the 2026 season. His performance in track have also helped him prevail as a deep threat for the Hawks' offense, recording 27 receptions for 522 yards (19.3 YPC) and 4 TDs, while adding 2 return TDs (1 kick and 1 punt). His long strides when he runs covers so much ground, and he has just as much body control to make sharp cuts and change of direction on his routes, and many of the big plays generated by Bennis last season came with his speed and his ability to beat DBs both deep and after the catch. Bennis is an undeniable playmaker who is bound to receive a plethora of offers entering his senior season.     One of the most effective man-coverage DBs in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='1617649' first='Neil' last='James'] has also flashed his potent athleticism for his position on the track. James has won 6 events over the course of this track season, winning for 100m, 200m, Long Jump, and 1600m Sprint Medley Relay. At CB, James recorded 16.5 tackles, 8 PBUs, and 1 INT returned for a TD last season. James boasts a purported 4.51 40 yard PB time, and when you watch him play, it's not that hard to believe, being able to close down space with his WRs quickly and shows great timing in forcing contact, while also using his speed to chase down the ball-carriers and stop big plays from breaking to the house. With that combination of speed and physicality in his film, James has the traits to excel as an outside CB at the next level.     Sergeant Bluff-Luton has been noted for their prowess in the run-game, and they unearthed a gem in their backfield in speedy athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1992066' first='Beckett' last='Verros']. Verros has played a big part in the Warriors' success for their relay races, playing a part in 11 victories so far in 2026 across relay races alone. Verros led the Warriors with 1450 rushing yards (10.1 YPC) and 16 TDs on the ground. From that yard-per-carry average alone, you can tell that Verros is explosive with the ball in his hands, and while he plays at the wing-back role rather than as a prototypical tailback, Verros showcases great vision and instincts on the run, being able to maneuver his way through traffic to find open lanes to attack, and once he does, he uses his speed to break away for huge gains. Verros will likely be the leading work-horse once again for the Warriors' dominant run-game in 2026.     [player_tooltip player_id='1621055' first='Tay' last='Seals']' has been a strong track athlete for the Clippers through the 2026 season, and that athleticism has translated perfectly well on the gridiron serving as their swiss-army knife. Seals holds numerous victories so far this season at multiple different track categories, most particularly the 110m hurdles, posting a 13.77 second hurdles run which ranks the 2nd fastest among all athletes in the state this season. On the field, Seals has flashed potential at WR and DB, but has had his most success in the return game, averaging over 33 yards per return on 15 total runbacks and 2 kick return TDs in 2025. Seals' skillset at the former 2 positions could be more refined, but there's no doubt of how dangerous he is with the ball in his hands, having the potential of breaking a huge play every time he gets the ball. Seals may be more likely to compete in track at the next level, but his all-purpose potential will undeniably intrigue scouts who may be willing to give him a shot to play college football as well.     [player_tooltip player_id='1844927' first='Ethan' last='McNeal'] has already proven his worth as one of the top RBs at the 3A level, and he's also been an effective track star for the Trojans. McNeal has won 10 events over the course of the 2026 season, with 5 victories coming at Long Jump, including a victory at the Iowa State qualifier in Glenwood just a few days ago. On the field, McNeal broke out with 1331 rushing yards (6.6 YPC) and 14 TDs. He also added a receiving TD and scored a kick return TD while averaging 27.8 yards per return. McNeal undeniably boasts a great burst of speed with the ball in his hands, but it's his constantly forward-pushing mentality that really stood out, being able to weave his way through traffic and churn through defenders, dragging his way forward for maximum yardage. Playing a key role in solidifying back-to-back winning seasons for the Trojans, McNeal's role for the offense should remain pivotal toward their overall performance in 2026.     A RB/WR hybrid, [player_tooltip player_id='2111682' first='Quintin' last='Pollard'] flashed plenty of potential despite playing in limited performances for the Black Raiders, and he is further fueling a case for a huge increase in reps in 2026 with how he's performed for their track team. Pollard has had particular success at the 100m dash, winning 6 of those races alone this season, and his 10.69 second PB 100m time ranks among the top-10 across the entire state this season. On the gridiron, Pollard ran for 114 yards (14.3 YPC) and a rushing TD while adding 134 receiving yards on 15 receptions and a TD. Pollard flashes potential as an effective dual-threat who's explosive and fluid with the ball in his hands, working at his best outside the perimeter, whether running the ball outside or as a quick checkdown option, Pollard is able to find ways around defenders and create big plays down the sidelines. It will be exciting to see how big of a role Pollard will play for the Black Raiders' offense in 2026.     [player_tooltip player_id='2086357' first='Fredrick' last='Tarasid'] saw limited playing time last season playing for the 5A-powerhouse Rams, but he showcased the potential to slide into the starting varsity lineup for the secondary in 2026, and through this 2026 track season has showcased what could be in store entering this fall. Having had particularly success with both the 100 and 200m dashes, his 21.68 second 200m dash PB time ranks in the top-10 across the entire state through the 2026 season. On defense, Tarasid recorded 13 tackles (8 solo) and 1 TFL. Tarasid also recorded a punt return TD and averaged 25.9 yards per return on 9 runbacks on punts and kickoffs. Tarasid flashed solid mechanics and was fluid against both the pass and the run, while also showcasing playmaking potential as a returner. Tarasid is bound to become a stud for the Rams entering his senior season as he looks to help the Rams back in the right direction after a down year in 2025.

Less than 3 weeks ago, we made an article based around this theme with our MN prospects, and now, we take a look through the same lens for the athletes in Iowa who have showcased success as Track and Field performers that will look to display through prowess and athleticism on the gridiron as well. We take a look at 7 athletes across Iowa that will look to translate their success from track into football in 2026!