-QB MVP

Making the triangular trip from a St. Thomas (MN) visit on on Friday to our Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase on Saturday in Sioux Falls, was our QB MVP Cael Kongshaug Cael Kongshaug 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB Prairie | 2027 State IA , who like I said is no stranger to us in the Midwest since his middle school days. The 6’3 210 pounder from Cedar Rapids Prairie, placed in the #3 overall in the L-drill with a 7.25, which is superb at his size as Cael has the ideal next-level frame, but that agile movement elevates what he can do outside the pocket and he showed that on Saturday time and time again. Every throw I watched from Cael inside or outside of the pocket, showed off persistency with the proper arm strength, ball placement and man, the poise was cool, calm and collective from everything I got to watch. I am very very surprised he doesn’t have his first offer yet, but there’s no doubt that Cael’s time to prove his stock is very soon to change that narrative in front of plenty of college coaches he will see this summer at camps.

A prospect that has been on the radar of Power 4 programs since his eighth grade and freshman seasons, Cael Kongshaug Cael Kongshaug 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB Prairie | 2027 State IA just wrapped up his first full season as a starter, taking snaps for Cedar Rapids Prairie as a junior.

This last season, Kongshaug flashed excellent mechanics as a thrower of the football, throwing easily caught passes, with the ability to float in the rock downfield and give his receivers a chance to go get it. With a flick-of-the-wrist effortless ball, a strong base and manuevarability in the pocket, Kongshaug and his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame possesses the tools necessary to be successful at the next level.

With undeniable talent, a charming, friendly personality and a prospect that wants to continue to put the work in, Kongshaug is the type of prospect that is more than worth taking a flier on at the next level.

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.