An Iowa pledge, Braylon Bingham was one of the first names that came to mind when putting together this list — not just in 1A, but between all classes. A two-way star for Pleasantville, Bingham plays both quarterback and safety for the Trojans as one of the more smoother athletes in the state.

A tough-to-tackle runner and a QB that can navigate the pocket before launching downfield, Bingham finished his junior campaign completing 87-of-152 passes (57.2%) for 1,492 yards and 16 touchdowns to six picks. On the ground — between designed runs and Bingham’s decision to take off on a broken play — he took 119 carries for 909 yards and seven scores.

Serving as the last line of defense at safety, Bingham led Pleasantville in tackles this season, posting 60.5, including 2.5 tackles-for-loss (TFLs). Offenses ensured he wouldn’t have many opportunities at interceptions or pass-breakups, avoiding his area of coverage when attacking the Trojans through the air.

Braylon Bingham Braylon Bingham 6'2" | 180 lbs | LB/ATH Pleasantville | 2027 State IA missed several games last season due to injury and his passing numbers took a dip compared to his sophomore season, but there is no doubt that the Trojans rely heavily on Bingham’s leadership, who’s presence was sorely missed when he was not on the field. Bingham threw for 1492 yards, 16 TDs, and 6 INTs last season while rushing for a team-high 909 yards (7.6 YPC) and 7 TDs. The athletic LB/QB continued to stretch the field well with solid progressions at all three levels of the defense, and he plays well running through contact, showcasing the power and tenacity as a runner that helped build him as a premier LB prospect in the state. Bingham has already committed to Iowa to play on the defensive side, and the Trojans’ will look to make the most of what could be Bingham’s final season as a QB.

One of the best athletes the state of Iowa has to offer in its loaded Class of 2027, Braylon Bingham Braylon Bingham 6'2" | 180 lbs | LB/ATH Pleasantville | 2027 State IA showcased his abilities on both sides of the ball, even if in a tough loss on Friday night.

An elusive runner, Bingham made Cooper DeJean-like plays at quarterback for Pleasantville, converting on third or fourth and long when the Trojans needed him most to have a shot at getting back in the game. Of course, the powerhouse that is Regina is a lot to overcome, but Bingham’s 29 rushes for 114 yards and one touchdown did all he could to keep his team in it.

Constantly under pressure from Tate Wallace Tate Wallace 6'3" | 225 lbs | LB Regina | 2027 State IA and the rest of the Regal DL, Bingham made the most of the constant attack, taking off from time to time and finding receivers when he was able to stay upright. He completed eight passes for 118 yards, including a 48-yard shot to senior receiver, Ethan King.

A sideline-to-sideline safety that finds the ball and will deliver a punishing hit, Bingham’s size, speed and athleticism are a deadly combo for Pleasantville. Enough to earn an offer from Iowa State as a safety and Iowa as a linebacker.

Bingham proved as a sophomore that he’s a good quarterback and a good athlete. He completed 55 percent of his passes for 1,749 yards and 23 touchdowns against eight interceptions. Bingham added 368 yards (6.8 YPC) and eight scores on the ground. On defense, he registered 49.5 tackles (31 solo, 1.0 TFL) and six interceptions. Bingham also averaged 14.5 yards on four punt returns. Bingham has security in knowing he can continue developing as a quarterback, showing colleges that’s his path, or he can fall back on the possibility of playing another position on the next level. Bingham shows off his dual-threat, signal-calling talents on his 10th-grade highlight video. You can also see his exploits as a safety. Either way, Bingham is definitely one to watch in 2025.