Kickoff ’26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5 Group 2

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-1/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-1/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5 Group 1</a>   It's hard to believe a new high school football season is so close. The first games kick off Aug. 29. While we want to enjoy the rest of the summer, it's ok to be excited about another run of Friday night lights.   In preparation for the upcoming campaign, I'll be rolling out content to get us ready. We'll be looking at X-factors to get started.    I watched Orr search for running room against eventual state champion Dowling Catholic last regular season at Kingston Stadium. While the sledding was tough, Orr found ways to pick up yards and proved to be a prospect of note. He finished the season with 624 yards (5.5 YPC) and three touchdowns facing a difficult schedule, which had the Kennedy offense less potent than in years past. The Cougars hope to rebound in 2026 behind what should be a formidable offensive line. Adding balance with the passing game will open up room for Orr, who defenses focused on last year. He can make them pay if some heat is taken off. Orr also is a threat as a receiver, and a willing and able blocker.     Valenta is a unique and talented athlete that could develop on either side of the ball on the next level. The Northern Iowa commitment will get his first crack at linebacker, where he earned all-state honors as a Dallas Center-Grimes junior a year ago. A unquestioned leader for the Mustangs, Valenta has been a team captain the last two seasons. Thirty four of his 46.0 tackles in 2025 were solo stops. He recorded 7.0 tackles for loss, a pair of sacks and a couple of interceptions. He ranked second on the team with four touchdown catches. His receiving role is likely to expand this fall, and he'll be on the top of the opposing team's scouting report throughout as a two-way stalwart.     The top player in Iowa's 2028 Class for years running, Barrett is the anchor to a Dowling Catholic offensive line built to decimate the opponent and take away its will. The unit led the Maroons to the Class 5A state championship last November with Barrett dominating at left tackle. He's big and bad, and a technician, to boot. Power 4 powers have spent a lot of time working for his commitment because of what he can do now and the incredibly high ceiling he's working to reach. The next step on that journey comes with a repeat in mind. There's a lot of motivation for Barrett, who is already self-motivated. He's worth the price of admission if you have a chance to see him in person.     Niehouse was a bright spot for a Marshalltown team that didn't enjoy as many as it would have liked in 2025. The junior flashed a lot of upside as a dual-threat quarterback. Against defenses focused at stopping him, he rushed for 829 yards (6.7 YPC) and eight touchdowns. Niehouse threw for five touchdowns on only 55 attempts. The athletic prospect gave colleges something to consider with his play on defense, too. Twenty four of his 32.0 tackles were solo stops and there were 4.0 tackles for loss. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19452232/690ce425197f9dd5bd811d37">junior highlight video</a> supplies evidence that a path to future success is available on either side of the ball at the next level. There's opportunity for Niehouse to raise his recruiting stock with an impactful final prep season.     Orr proved to be an important cog on an offensive line that helped Waterloo West to a second consecutive playoff appearance in 2025. The unit rolled up more than 3,000 total yards and 35 touchdowns playing a difficult schedule. Orr flashed the power and agility that coaches on the next level look to develop. It also provides him with the versatility to play inside or out in college. His highest ceiling is at guard or center, the latter being where he would bring the most impact. If he can master the fine points of the position, the skills are present for success. Orr blasts off the snap, moves quickly inside and easily reaches blocks in space.     Waukee will be replacing a lot of talent lost to graduation after last season. The Warriors will need guys to step up into larger roles against what will be a difficult schedule in 2026. It's very important for returning starters to raise their level of play. Nebo looks poised to do just that after ranking among the team's leaders in tackles a year ago with 53.0. There were 37 solo stops, a tackle for loss and an interception. He's also a guy capable of impacting special teams in addition to locking down part of the field. Colleges are evaluating Nebo at an intense pace right now, and another standout campaign will only raise his stock.

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