Iowa 2027s Packed with College Potential

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colleges have done well in mining Iowa's 2027 recruiting class. Twelve different guys have verbally committed to Power 4 programs. Quite a few others have pledged to FBS and FCS schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even with those sizable numbers, a lot of talent from the state for the cycle remains in the board. Here's a closer look at a group of them:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1825977' first='Caden' last='Zaugg'], ATH, Burlington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:</strong> Zaugg stood out as a dual-threat quarterback for Burlington in 2025. The junior threw for 10 touchdowns and ran for six more scores while ranking second on the team in rushing in earning second-team all-district honors. The <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19819673/690a5d5b640df8dc76c0713d" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19819673/690a5d5b640df8dc76c0713d">11th-grade highlight video</a> reveals a athlete with speed behind center. Zaugg can spin it whether stepping up in the pocket or rolling out. His ability to throw accurately on the run while keeping his eyes surveying the field or by tucking the ball and running stresses the defense. It's a set of skills that also would work at another position if development at quarterback stalls. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zaugg visited Central College, Monmouth College and Dubuque this offseason. He's a guy that's been under-recruited relative to talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1877737' first='Bonfils' last='Iranzi'], ATH, Cedar Rapids Washington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:</strong> I scouted Iranzi in person when Washington played North Scott this past season. He stood out as a well-rounded safety that could stay there or work into a hybrid position on the college level. You can see what I saw watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19568971/6904ec28f37c5ab4a14a0273" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19568971/6904ec28f37c5ab4a14a0273">junior highlight video</a>. In addition to being a punishing member of the secondary, Iranzi flashed big-play ability as a running back and receiver. He can make defenders miss in space with a good burst to run away from them. Iranzi still has rawness to him as a football player that can be molded and developed into what a college seeks. He would be a special teams' asset, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Iranzi camped with Drake last month. It's the only college interest that he's reported publicly. That could and should change with a big senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581291' first='Lucas' last='Ranard'], ATH, Cedar Rapids Jefferson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:</strong> Working in an offense with a lot of mouths to feed last season, Ranard carved out a productive role that hinted that there's more in the tank. It's what I saw when watching him compete at the 2025 Back2Ballin seven on seven tournament. Ranard is a long-limbed athlete that chews up large chunks of real estate with his strides. He easily goes over the top of defenders and can run by them. Ranard flashes plenty of promise in the return game and could contribute on multiple special teams' units early in his college career. His traits might also play on defense should a school on the next level envision a path there. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northern Iowa played host to Ranard for a game last season. He received a hand-written letter from Dakota Wesleyan last month. MSU-Moorhead, Upper Iowa, Cornell College and others have invited him to campus. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2090446' first='Tanner' last='Jackson'], OL/DL, Indianola</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:</strong> A season-ending injury in Week 2 of 2025 really slowed down Jackson's recruitment. That's unfortunate, because when he was in the action, he made a difference, as we can see when watching&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16906453/68e321e49175870d02ee625d">early-season highlights</a>. Jackson is a natural at center, effective at handling all of the position's responsibilities. It's a smooth operation starting with an accurate shot-gun snap. Jackson explodes off of it and gets into the chest of the defender. He shows a good bend and power. His frame has room to fill out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's reported hearing from North Dakota State. That's it. He's a guy wise college staffs will keep tabs on this season. It's worth their time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617064' first='Chance' last='Nerney'], DL/OL, Western Dubuque</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:</strong> At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, Nerney isn't going to win a lot of games of hide and seek. That's ok. He's winning a whole lot of battles on the football field at that size. Nerney is a space eater in the middle of the defensive line, absorbing blocks and freeing up linebackers to make plays. He often just overpowers the opponent. He's not a slug, however. Nerney can move his feet and flashes agility. It's a package that also would be interesting to develop on the interior of a college offensive line. A next-level strength and conditioning program will also tap into his sizable potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nerney isn't publicly reporting any college interest. That seems like a miss. Perhaps a strong senior season will align his recruitment with his upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->