Finishing with the third-most touchdowns and the most passing scores in Class A last season, Eli Harpenau Eli Harpenau 6'1" | 210 lbs | QB/LB Mmcru | 2027 State IA was one of, if not the top signal-caller in the class as a junior last season.

In total, the 2027 gunslinger completed 109-of-172 passes (63.4%) for 1,983 yards, 29 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2025, also taking 114 carries for 447 yards and ten scores, making him the most productive returning QB in the class come next season.

Losing a good chunk of his weapons from MMCRU’s run to the state championship in the fall, Harpenau will have an opportunity to show that he can make plays for others, even if he has new teammates to toss the rock to in 2026. His play as a junior is why the Royals will still have a shot at the title again this coming season.

Moving up now to Class A, Eli Harpenau Eli Harpenau 6'1" | 210 lbs | QB/LB Mmcru | 2027 State IA ‘s standout performance for the Royals was directly responsible toward guiding MMCRU unexpectedly to a perfect record and their first state championship since 2015. Harpenau threw for 1983 yards, 29 TDs, and 10 INTs while rushing for 447 yards and 10 TDs. Much like our 8-man prospects that we have mentioned so far, Harpenau boasts a bigger frame and strength that helps him stand out among his peers and fits him perfectly under Center, proving to be highly effective both over the air and on the run, finding his targets down the field with ease and showing a heightened level of poise and confidence compared to his sophomore campaign. Harpenau will look to help the Royals repeat as state champions to round out his high school career.

Taking multiple steps forward following a promising sophomore campaign, Eli Harpenau Eli Harpenau 6'1" | 210 lbs | QB/LB Mmcru | 2027 State IA was on point during his junior season, cementing his place as the best QB in Class A Iowa right now. Harpenau completed over 63% of his passes, finishing with 1987 passing yards and a conference-high 29 TDs to 10 INTs while rushing for 449 yards and 10 TDs. Harpenau’s bulkier size and big arm separates himself among the talent in Class A as a much stronger athlete at the QB position. A fluid passer with great progressions and accuracy at all three levels of the defense, Harpenau has proven capable as an effective Pro-Style QB with capable mobility to extend the play while keeping his eyes down the field. Harpenau was largely responsible for guiding the Royals to the Class A Championship as a junior, and it will be interesting to see how he will top that as he goes into his senior season.

Eli Harpenau Eli Harpenau 6'1" | 210 lbs | QB/LB Mmcru | 2027 State IA put up huge numbers in 2025 as he guided MMCRU unexpectedly to a perfect campaign and a Class A state championship this season. Harpenau threw for 1983 yards, 29 TDs and 10 INTs while rushing for 447 yards and 10 TDs on the ground. Harpenau’s frame and pocket presence is impressive for a QB at one of the lower conference levels in the state, showing good progressions on his reads, and proving dynamic as a runner, while also flashing solid range with his arm. Harpenau may be a hidden small-school gem that should garner plenty of attention entering his senior season.

Better late than never was the case for Prep Redzone Iowa and Harpenau. We just added him to our data base last week after seeing him in the state semifinals against West Sioux. We certainly will be monitoring him more closely moving forward. He reminds me a little of former Liberty quarterback Graham Beckman, now at Iowa Western. Harpenau is solidly built with the athleticism and speed to keep plays alive off of schedule or tuck it and go. The arm strength looked solid during the semis and again in the championship matchup with Saint Ansgar. Harpenau would do well in accepting camp invites from school’s smart enough to bring him in this offseason.