Calling Out 2026 Breakouts Along O-Line

Rob Howe June 16, 2026 @ 09:12 PM

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   While we don't want to wish summer away too fast, it's easy to peak around the corner and see the Iowa high school football season quickly approaching. Friday night lights will be shining brightly before we know it.   In preparation for the upcoming campaign, I thought it would be fun identifying five breakout candidates at each position.   Here's the group at the offensive line position:   [player_tooltip player_id='2079359' first='Lincoln' last='Walsworth'], 2029, Cedar Falls   Cedar Falls consistently competing at high level stems from developing its student-athletes, plenty of whom compete in college, some of them reaching the NFL. That can make it difficult to play early in a Tiger career. That Walsworth saw action on the offensive line as a freshman speaks volumes about his potential. Iowa State recognizes it, the Cyclones offering a scholarship after a camp this month. He's agile and athletic with a projectable frame capable of adding significant strength. All of that adds up to a high ceiling and a 2026 breakout to becoming another high-end recruit in a state known for producing them at the position.   [player_tooltip player_id='1954623' first='Grady' last='Farley'], 2029, Cedar Rapids Kennedy   We travel from Cedar Falls with Walsworth down I-380 to Cedar Rapids and Farley. And like the Tigers, Kennedy consistently ranks among Iowa's best at producing talent for the next level. Some might say Farley broke out last season by playing as a freshman on the Cougar front, which is a fair point. However, he remains under the radar as a college prospect. So, the breakout relates to his play creating more attention in that regard this fall. Farley is advanced physically for a sophomore with room to add strength and sharpen technique. All the elements are present for stardom with a focus on the details. He's in a great place for that to materialize.   [player_tooltip player_id='1625159' first='Charlie' last='Azzaline'], 2029, Assumption   As I add names to this writeup, it's becoming clear that the Iowa sophomore class has a chance to be special. Like Walsworth and Farley, Azzaline packs the type of potential that could lead him to a Power 4 program. That will take dedication to development, but the upside is present. Azzaline is mature from a physical standpoint with a good amount of room for adding strength to a frame capable of filling out without the loss of athleticism and agility. Azzaline is explosive with good feet. He understands leverage and the importance of active hands. While his future looks to be on the offensive line, his collection of skills and talents would be interesting on the other side of the trench.   [player_tooltip player_id='2089937' first='Klay' last='Pace'], 2029, Western Dubuque   Pace shares the distinction of being very advanced for his age from a size and strength standpoint. He often succeeds by overpowering opponents, getting them on their heels early and not letting up. Beyond that, Pace is not just a big body lumbering around the line. He's quick and athletic with smooth feet. Pace moves very well, allowing him to pick off defenders in space whether he's pulling or reaching blocks on the second level. Western Dubuque is an under-rated program when it comes to developing college prospects. Pace is another guy that will have coaches on the next level checking out Epworth.   [player_tooltip player_id='1720302' first='Ben' last='Smith'], 2029, Gilbert   Smith will be making the jump up to varsity this year after playing a starring role for a Gilbert freshman team that finished 8-0 in 2025. He was a nightmare for ninth-graders with his size and power. They should translate well to the varsity this fall, especially considering there's been growth since he last took the field. Smith embraces the game's physicality with a frame capable of adding strength while remaining nimble. Explosiveness and lateral quickness help him reach blocks of all types. Those traits could lead to college coaches being intrigued by the possibilities of him lining up on defense.

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