Eli Mielke Eli Mielke 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Bishop Heelan | 2027 State IA will be responsible for filling in the void at the QB position in 2026 following the departure of Conley, and he’s been generating significant buzz as he enters his senior campaign as the starter for the Crusaders. Mielke threw just 19 total passes on varsity as a junior, but the potential is undeniable, flashing outstanding throwing power and is able to fit the ball through some very tight windows, but the biggest benefactor will be his effectiveness as a dual-threat, being able to scramble out of the pocket and create big plays with his legs. The hype is warranted, and I’m excited to see what Mielke will do leading the varsity lineup.

With barely any time on varsity, let alone meaningful snaps, Eli Mielke Eli Mielke 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Bishop Heelan | 2027 State IA ‘s name showing up on this list could surprise some folks. Taking a glance at his film and some of the throws he made during his junior campaign for Bishop Heelan may make one think otherwise.

Mielke can flat-out sling it. A lefty with a big arm and a fluid throwing motion, the junior puts some throws on absolute ropes last year. With the ability to throw accurately and squeeze it in tight windows, plus the arm talent to put air under the ball and his targets deep downfield, Mielke oozes raw talent, plus the athleticism to move around the pocket and throw on the move to go along with it.

It will be incredibly interesting to see what this camp season does for the senior-to-be, and what he does in his final year of high school ball with the potential to earn a DI scholarship.

Mielke backed up Bishop Heelan’s starting quarterback during the Crusaders’ run to the Class 3A state championship game. He also contributed on defense. It was a developmental year, in many ways, with the potential for setting a super senior season. Mielke completed 8 of 19 throws for 153 yards and a touchdown against an interception. He also contributed 24 yards on the ground, and all five of his tackles were solo with one stop for loss. He punted three times, and listed end of summer max outs of 220 pounds (Hang Clean), 225 (Bench), 375 (Deadlift Barbell) and 315 (Squat), further illustrating his athleticism and strength. The left-hander shows an easy throwing motion when watching his sophomore highlight video from 2024. Film from this fall is HERE. He also pushes the ball downfield without a lot of effort and can drop the ball into receivers’ hands over defenders. It will be interesting to watch how Mielke performs at college camps this summer because he already has their attention without much varsity film.