Cael Kongshaug Cael Kongshaug 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB Prairie | 2027 State IA enjoyed a solid debut in the varsity lineup for the Hawks in 2025. Kongshaug completed over 67% of his passes for 1654 yards, 12 TDs, and 7 INTs while adding a rushing TD. Kongshaug has shown great versatility hitting passes at all three levels of the defense while showing sharp accuracy outside the perimeter along with impressive depth and power on his deep throws to stretch the field. Kongshaug isn’t afraid to take some chances with his plays, including a couple of risky throws through traffic and making throws across his body that aren’t encouraged among coaches, but Kongshaug has shown to make those tactics work well in his favor. Kongshaug adds plenty of flair to balance out a potent run-offense, and he notably led a huge conference win over Iowa City West to help push the Hawks into the playoffs last season. Kongshaug will look to push the Hawks ever further into the postseason in 2026.

When I pulled up at John Wall Stadium on Oct. 17, 2025, Kongshaug was one of the players I was most looking forward to evaluating. The junior was completing almost 70 percent of his passes in his first season starting for the Prairie Hawk varsity. I’d scouted Kongshaug back in the spring at the Back2Ballin seven-on-seven tournament in Cedar Falls. He impressed me with his arm strength and ability to move at his size. Those assets shined through again during the most recent scout. He prefers slinging it from the pocket, but he can keep plays alive with his legs and get yards if the field opens up. Kongshaug reads defenses well and works through his progressions in a timely manner. He’s still figuring out windows he can get the ball through and will do so as his game matures. Again, the arm strength is there. Now, it’s about reps and development.

Entering his second year with the program, Kongshaug will take over the starting quarterback position after sitting behind senior, Wyatt Eash last season.

In his two years waiting and learning, Kongshaug has developed both physically and in his leadership, taking the reigns and stepping up as a coach on the field for the Hawks offense this summer. With the addition of Kahl, Kongshaug has taken charge of helping the new running back, showing him what he and the offense need and doing the extra work to ingratiate the talented tailback with the team.

As a pure passer, one can tell that Kongshaug has been working on his game for a long time. He’s got a firm base and solid mechanics that allow him to throw a beautiful, easily-caught deep ball, making his aforementioned weapons even tougher to cover. He’s mobile, can throw on the run and quickly dissects what the defense is doing, finding the weak spot and attacking it. Seen as an FCS prospect at the moment, Konshaug should start stacking up offers this fall and into next spring.

Good height, broad shouldered quarterback with a smooth delivery and good deep-ball accuracy. Quick release, good footwork and mechanics for a sophomore. Improve zip in short/intermediate game. Could be a name who blows up with a strong junior season.

I watched Kongshaug operate for Rip City at this spring’s Back 2 Ballin 7 on 7 tournament. The talented roster reached the gold bracket with the Prairie sophomore slinging it around. Kongshaug has a line on the starting job for the Prairie Hawks in 2025 with last year’s starter graduating. He’s physically gifted with a strong frame and arm. He moves well for a bigger body and utilizes his smooth feet. While he can make all of the throws, Kongshaug’s fundamentals break down occasionally and his operation becomes too long. If he can improve his consistency, the ceiling his high here.